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Measles Cases in Hamilton up to 60
18 June 2014
Measles Cases in Hamilton up to 60
The number of confirmed measles case in Hamilton has risen to 60 with five of those hospitalised.
Measles continues to circulate and while still largely associated with Fraser High School, there is a single confirmed case at both Hamilton Girls’ High School and Hamilton Junior High School.
Waikato District Health Board’s Population Health service is investigating about another 14 suspected cases from throughout the city.
“It’s important that with the spread outside of the Fraser High School community, that people make themselves aware of the signs and symptoms of measles and to check their child’s immunity status,” said Waikato DHB medical officer of health Dr Anita Bell.
“Information has been circulated regarding the increase in cases to all schools, early child care centres and general practice.”
People who are regarded as not immune to measles are:
• People younger than 45
years old (born after 01 January 1969) who have not had two
doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine or
have not had a laboratory confirmed
positive measles result
• Children over four years old
who have not received their second dose of
MMR
• Infants under the age of 15 months who have not
received their first routine dose of MMR vaccine. They are
susceptible and rely on everyone else to be immune so that
measles does not spread to them
“Measles can be a very serious illness, with one in three sufferers experiencing complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis or diarrhoea,” said Dr Bell.
“While one in 10 on average requires hospitalisation, admission rates in this outbreak have been higher.”
She reiterated that immunisation is the best protection from this potentially serious disease.
“Immunisation protects not only the individual, but also blocks the spread of this disease within our communities.”
Unimmunised people who have had contact with a person with measles, will normally be advised to stay at home and away from all public places, school or work for 14 days after their contact.
“Anyone born before 1969 or who has received two doses of MMR can reasonably assume they are already immune.”
If families suspect someone has measles they should call their doctor, where possible, before visiting to avoid spreading the disease while waiting.
Measles is spread by tiny droplets in the air and is one of the few diseases that can spread so easily to those nearby.
Dr Bell says anyone displaying symptoms of measles, which include fever, cough, blocked nose, sore red eyes, should immediately telephone their doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice.
Visit www.waikatodhb.health.nz/measles for Waikato measles information.
Further information
What is measles?
• Measles is a highly infectious viral
disease that can be serious.
• It is spread from person
to person through the air by breathing, sneezing or
coughing. Just being in the same room as someone with
measles can lead to infection if you are not
immune.
Who is at risk of measles infection?
People are at risk of getting measles if they are not immune to measles. People who are regarded as not immune to measles are:
• People younger than 45
years old (born after 01 January 1969) who have not had two
doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
vaccine
• Infants under the age of 15 months who have
not received their first routine dose of MMR vaccine. They
are susceptible and rely on everyone else to be immune so
that measles does not spread to them.
• Children over
four years old who have not received their second dose of
MMR.
What should you do?
• Ensure you
are up to date with your immunisations.
• If you are
not immune it is important to be aware of the symptoms of
measles. The early symptoms of measles are fever, runny
nose, sore red eyes and cough.
• After 3-5 days a red,
blotchy rash appears on the face and head and then spreads
down the body.
If you develop symptoms of measles:
• Stay at home and away from public
places (such as sports events, gatherings, parties, school,
work, child care, shopping centres, public transport and so
on).
• See your doctor as soon as possible so a
diagnosis can be confirmed. However, phone the surgery ahead
to alert them of your symptoms and to allow them to make
arrangements to assess you safely and without infecting
other people.
• If you are unable to visit your GP
phone Healthline on 0800 611 116.
About Waikato District Health Board and Health Waikato:
Waikato DHB is responsible for planning, funding and providing quality health and disability support services for the 373,220 people living in the Waikato DHB region. It has an annual turnover of $1.2 billion and employs more than 6450 people.
Health Waikato is the DHB’s main provider of hospital and health services. It has six groups across five hospital sites, three primary birthing units, two continuing care facilities and 20 community bases offering a comprehensive range of primary, secondary and tertiary health services.
A wide range of independent providers deliver other Waikato DHB-funded health services - including primary health, pharmacies and community laboratories.
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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