Family events and travel may raise measles risks

Public health experts are warning people to be vigilant about measles and ensure they are immunised ahead of the Christmas-New Year holidays.

Auckland’s measles outbreak has slowed ‘‘significantly’’, with 10 confirmed cases in the region between December 4 and December 11.

But with the highly infectious illness still occurring in other parts of New Zealand and neighbouring countries such as Samoa, people are still at risk, Auckland Regional Public Health Service medical officer of health Dr Maria Poynter said.

People were advised to check their health records to be sure they were vaccinated against measles, particularly if they are travelling to the Pacific Islands during the summer holidays.

Poynter said it was important to also consider vulnerable family members – such as very young babies, non-immune pregnant women and those with weakened immunity – when getting together over the festive period.

Those unsure of their immunisation status – particularly those on the move this Christmas – should visit their doctor to get a vaccination at least two weeks before travel, Poynter said.

‘‘This will give your body time to build your immunity before you reach your destination.’’

Poynter said it was also a good idea to take proof of vaccination status when travelling.

There have been more than 5330 cases of measles in Samoa during recent months, claiming 77 lives.

This year marked the worst measles outbreak in New Zealand

in more than two decades, with 2172 cases across the country.

Health Ministry director of public health Dr Caroline McElnay said the decreasing number of measles cases in New Zealand was ‘‘really encouraging’’ but there was always the possibility of more cases with people travelling more.

The ministry was ‘‘hopeful’’ it would not see an increase of cases over the Christmas period but was ‘‘very aware that we may’’, McElnay told Stuff.

McElnay said it would be another few months before the ministry could say whether New Zealand’s outbreak was over but new cases were ‘‘constantly coming in’’ from overseas.