Another measles case in Auckland: Call for vigilance

Another measles case in Auckland: Call for vigilance

Source: Auckland Regional Public Health Service

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The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) has confirmed a second case of measles. It is likely this person has caught the disease on flight SQ285 which landed in Auckland on 22 February 2018.

The latest case is an AUT student and ARPHS is working closely with AUT to determine the immunity of those people who have been in classes with the individual while infectious. Anyone who has been in contact with the student and is not immune is required to stay at home in quarantine to prevent the disease spreading.

It is likely other people around the central business district from March 1 - 6 and the Albany Westfield shopping centre from March 6 between 12 pm - 4 pm may have been exposed to the disease when the student was walking around.

"I urge Aucklanders to protect themselves against measles by getting vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine. The vaccine is free from your GP. Please phone your general practice to discuss whether your vaccinations are up to date.

"Measles is very easily transmitted through coughing, sneezing or simply walking past someone who is infected and breathing their contaminated air. If one person has measles, 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected," says ARPHS Medical Officer of Health Dr Josephine Herman.

Measles is a highly infectious disease which can have serious complications. Anyone born before 1969 is likely to be immune to the disease without having had the vaccine.

Symptoms of measles include a runny nose, cough, sore eyes, fever, a raised red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body. If you have symptoms immediately visit your GP or call Healthline for advice on 0800 611 116.

To find out more about measles: http://www.arphs.govt.nz/health-information/communicable-disease/measles

ENDS

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