‘Stronger steps’ needed

The measles outbreak has reached an epidemic, say academics who warn stronger steps are needed to stop it spreading, including encouraging measles vaccinations for anyone travelling to the Pacific.

Since the beginning of the year, the number of cases has jumped daily across the nation – up by 22 just between Wednesday and yesterday.

New Zealand has the second highest measles rate in the western Pacific – 152.4 per million – with only the Philippines recording higher at 612.1 per million.

Ease of travel, particularly international, and immunity gaps within New Zealand meant the epidemic was not surprising, Immunisation Advisory Centre director Nikki Turner said.

In a report published in The New Zealand Medical Journal today, Turner said more action was needed to ensure better protection for the community and the elimination of measles.

Some of those steps included resourcing a national campaign targeting adolescents and young adults; the adequacy of vaccine supply and accessibility including more use of pharmacies and pop-up clinics; and support for front-line workers.

There was a risk to both New Zealand and Pacific populations and the epidemic indicated the country’s immunisation programme fell short.

The health sector’s response needed to be strengthened, the report said.

‘‘With multiple imports and more than 12 recognised outbreaks in the first five months of this year affecting most regions, this should appropriately be called an epidemic,’’ Turner said.

‘‘Nearly 14 per cent of non-hospitalised cases were fully vaccinated (includes children under 4 years with only one dose) ... 6.7 per cent of hospitalised cases were fully vaccinated.’’

Professor Michael Baker, of Otago University’s Wellington department of public health, said the only way to contain an epidemic was to rapidly fill the immunity gap. It would be a ‘‘very responsible step’’ to consider extreme measures to prevent the transmission of measles, particularly to the Pacific.

It would be difficult to implement but New Zealand should look at requiring or encouraging measles vaccinations for anyone travelling to the Pacific, he said.

It seemed a bit late for New Zealand to consider border control, Baker said.

From January 1 to October 24 there were 1928 instances of the

‘‘With . . . more than 12 recognised outbreaks in the first five months of this year affecting most regions, this should appropriately be called an epidemic.’’

Nikki Turner Immunisation Advisory Centre director

measles virus in New Zealand – more than six cases confirmed every day. Of those, 1554 were in the Auckland region.

In Wellington, numbers have steadied at 33. Yesterday, another case was confirmed in the city and in two children under age 5 in Hawke’s Bay.

However, Health Minister David Clark said there had been a ‘‘drop-off’’ in the number of confirmed cases, due to the uptake of vaccines given to vulnerable groups, including children.

The Ministry of Health reported a doubling in vaccine uptake over August/September which resulted in a shortage.

Associate Health Minister Julie Anne Genter said New Zealand was not considering border requirements or certificates on measles, as most people were safe as long as they were vaccinated

‘‘We will need to do the extra work to improve the immunity of 15 to 29-year-olds to ensure this doesn’t happen again. I feel for the New Zealanders whose lives have been affected and wish them all the best with recovery.

‘‘As measles cases continue to decline, we must stay focused on getting more people immunised.’’

A Ministry of Health spokesperson said New Zealand’s best protection against measles was to ensure its population was well immunised.

‘‘The outbreak began with travellers coming to New Zealand who had measles, all cases have been linked back to this original outbreak in Auckland.’’

The ministry recommends travellers to New Zealand be fully vaccinated against measles but it is not mandatory.

Tourists are reminded to have measles injections at least two weeks before they travel here.