Two mums with measles lose babies

Two unborn babies have died after their mothers caught measles during the recent outbreak of the disease. Auckland health officials, in their latest update, confirmed five pregnant woman have caught measles. Two of the foetuses died.

Dr Karen Bartholomew, Waitemata¯ and Auckland DHB director of health outcomes, said while they could not say for sure the unborn babies died from measles, their deaths were associated with mothers who were being treated for it.

The complications in pregnancy due to measles can result in foetal losses and miscarriages and lower birth weights.

But Auckland Regional Public Health Service medical officer of health Dr William Rainger said while it could be “understandably concerning to pregnant mothers in Auckland”, they should not be unduly concerned.

The likelihood of a pregnant woman being exposed to measles and catching it was no greater than any other person in the Auckland population and was a low risk.

Rainger said a person’s immunity to rubella was tested as part of routine antenatal care and if a woman had been found to be immune to rubella then they would most likely be immune to measles because the

1307 in Auckland so far this year 1498 NZ total up to September 26 5 or under — the disease has mostly hit children up to 5 years old

vaccines were given together.

“Most people will be immune to measles,” he said

However, any pregnant woman concerned about her immunity status was advised to talk to her lead maternity carer provider. She could also follow up with her GP and look at her Plunket records and, if there was still uncertainty, have a blood test.

Meanwhile, Auckland Regional Public Health Service is cautiously optimistic that the number of measles cases in Auckland is on the decline.

So far this year there have been 1307 measles cases in Auckland and majority of those have been children aged under 5.

Rainger said fewer cases were presenting each week than when numbers peaked at the end of August.