Seventh case of measles confirmed in Taranaki

10 September 2019

Taranaki’s Public Health Unit (PHU) is warning the community to remain vigilant about the measles virus following a seventh case being confirmed this week.

An 18 year old woman from New Plymouth is the latest person with measles to be admitted to Taranaki Base Hospital and is currently in isolation.

Dr Jonathan Jarman, Taranaki DHB medical officer of health says “It appears the patient may have caught measles whilst spending time in Auckland during September. The patient has stayed at home for a large part of her illness so the risks to the general public are low.”

PHU staff are currently working with the patient’s family to make sure the infection does not spread any further.

Dr Jarman adds, “Measles spreads easily via coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include a high fever along with a runny nose, hacking cough, sore red eyes, followed by a rash three to five days later which starts on the head and spreads down the body.

“People are infectious from five days before the rash appears to five days after, therefore anyone with measles needs to be isolated from the time they become ill until five days after the rash has appeared.”

Children under two years old are those most likely to be hospitalised because of measles, therefore maintaining the national Childhood Immunisation Schedule is a priority to ensure all children receive their MMR vaccinations on time at 15 months and 4 years.

Dr Jarman says “If you or anyone you know develops symptoms of measles, we ask that you please stay at home and call Healthline (0800 611 116) or your doctor to alert them of the illness, so as to reduce spread of the illness.”

Last updated: Thursday, 10 October, 2019