First confirmed measles case in Taranaki

21 October 2011

Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr Rob Weir said “Taranaki DHB had its first case of laboratory confirmed measles diagnosed since 1998 this week. The Taranaki Public Health Unit has acted to minimise the risk of further spread. These actions have included advising those close contacts that are not vaccinated or immune from previous measles infection to stay at home for 2 weeks after last exposure to the case. Those who are not fully immunised for their age group have been advised to complete their immunisations.

” Dr Weir said: “Measles is a very infectious disease so anyone who is not immune to measles is at risk if they come in to contact with the disease. It spreads from person to person through the air from breathing, coughing and sneezing, and contact with those secretions. The disease is contagious from just before symptoms begin until about four days after onset of the rash. The illness usually starts between 10 and 14 days after contact with the measles virus.”

“For every 1000 cases of measles, approximately 100 will need hospital treatment, 100 will get an ear infection and 50 will get pneumonia,” he said.

“This case is not a total surprise given the significant number of cases elsewhere in New Zealand and the highly infectious nature of the disease,” said Dr Weir. “As at October 20 there had been 358 cases in New Zealand this year. More cases are certainly possible locally so I would urge people to ensure they are fully immunised as this is the best way for people to protect themselves against measles and is free to those who need it. You can protect both yourself and the community by getting immunised.”

If you think you may have measles you should stay away from work, school or public places to help prevent putting others at risk. Measles symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and sore red eyes. After 3-5 days a rash appears on the head and spreads down the body. If you think you might have measles contact your doctor or Healthline on 0800 611116 for more advice.

For more information please call:
Sue Carrington
Media Adviser
Ph 021 367 789

Last updated: Friday, December 2, 2011