Region’s measles count rises to 40
The number of confirmed diagnoses of measles in Northland reached 40 on Wednesday last week, up from 34 in eight days, with seven more cases under investigation.
The year to September 10 had seen 1149 confirmed cases across the country, 959 of them in the Auckland region.
“Given that Northland is so close to Auckland, and people regularly travel there, it isn’t surprising that the number of measles cases in Northland is increasing,” Medical Officer of Health Dr Brad Novak said last week.
“The majority of the 40 cases in Northland have a link to Auckland, or to already known cases in our region.
“In terms of where the measles cases are, it is essential to realise that the virus is invisible and airborne. No matter where you live, if you are not immunised, and you come in contact with the virus, there is a high chance that you will contract measles,” he added.
“Effectively, if you are immune against measles you do not have to worry. Our goal is to ensure that those who are eligible are immunised, because this will protect our very young children and those who are unable to be vaccinated.”
Anyone who thought they, or someone they knew, had measles was advised to call Healthline on 0800 611-116 for advice. In the event of someone needing care, initial contact should be made with a GP, St John or emergency department by phone.
Children who had not been immunised or who were immunocompromised should stay away from schools where measles had been reported.
Dr Novak advised those aged between 15 and 29 to check their immunisation records to ensure that had received two doses of the MMR vaccine in childhood. Those who had not, or were unsure, should seek vaccination.
Because measles was once very common, those aged over 50 were considered to be immune.
Pregnant women should not be vaccinated, and should seek medical advice if they think they have the illness or have had contact with someone who has it.
Dr Novak added that infants under 12 months old were best protected if family members, wha¯nau and carers were vaccinated. Those aged 12 to 15 months old should be vaccinated at least two weeks before travelling to the Auckland region, as should those aged six to 15 months who would be travelling to a country with an active measles outbreak (including Hong Kong, the United States and Canada, parts of Europe and South-East Asia).
Others should receive the first dose of the MMR vaccine at 15 months, as usual.