Measles outbreak spikes to 5-year high

Another 20 New Zealanders have contracted measles in the last week, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 135 so far this year.

Experts say this is the highest number of measles cases they have seen nationwide in five years.

Measles is a highly infectious and potentially deadly viral disease that can spread easily through breathing, sneezing and coughing.

While the outbreak in Canterbury seems to have been contained, Auckland and the Bay of Plenty are still experiencing a spike.

In Auckland, 53 cases have been confirmed this year.

A surveillance report by Environmental Science and Research (ESR), released on Monday, showed 50 Aucklanders had caught the disease as of Friday, May 10. Since then, Auckland Regional Public Health Service has confirmed three more cases as of 2pm yesterday.

Last week six cases were confirmed at Waitemata¯ DHB, two at Auckland City and two at Counties Manukau.

Between Saturday, May 4 and Friday, May 10, there was another case in Northland, one in Waikato, two in Lakes District, two in the Bay of Plenty and one at Capital and Coast DHB.

No new cases presented in the South Island last week.

ESR’s report shows there have been 51 hospitalisations for measles nationwide this year.

Of the 132 cases reported up to last Friday, 114 had not been vaccinated, eight had been partially immunised and 10 had been fully vaccinated.

This comes after Education Minister Chris Hipkins accused parents who did not have their children vaccinated of being “pro-plague”.

Anyone who has not had two documented doses of MMR vaccine is eligible for free vaccines.

If you are concerned about measles call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or call your GP. Do not visit medical centres in the first instance as you could infect others.