Media release from Northland District Health Board

Hokianga Measles Outbreak - Northland situation update

Northland District Health Board urges Northlanders to check that their family members are protected from Measles.  This follows the outbreak of cases of measles in the region.

At this stage the outbreak is confined to the family group identified to health authorities and their close associates. A possible case in Wellington linked to this outbreak is still not confirmed.

As at 31 March - the number of confirmed and probable cases of measles in Northland:

•       5 laboratory confirmed cases
•      23 clinically compatible cases who are linked to the above confirmed cases

Of those affected 86% are under the age of 20 years.

The Hokianga community has low immunisation rates; therefore there is a high risk that measles may have spread beyond this group to other communities in Northland and other parts of New Zealand.

This outbreak underscores once again the importance of immunisation in preventing this disease.

The Ministry of Health is asking all general practitioners to be alert to possible measles cases and notify any suspected cases to their local Medical Officer of Health. Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is available free to all children aged from 15 months and four years of age, and any adult under the age of 40 who wants it.

Northland general practitioners and practice nurses have been asked to offer MMR vaccination to all unvaccinated children from the age of 12 months because of the risk of an large outbreak in Northland.

It is estimated that 90 to 95 per cent of people are protected from measles once they have had both doses.

Measles has the potential to make children very sick for one to two weeks, with the symptoms including high fever, hacking cough, red eyes, running nose and a rash.  A number of rash-causing illnesses can appear to be very similar to measles including meningococcal disease.  

Local health provider, Hokianga Health, is in regular contact with Dr Jarman advising him of any situation developments in the area, and is continuing to work with the family.

Dr Jarman urges caregivers to check that their children have been vaccinated against measles.

"One measles injection is good but two are better - two measles injections give 90-95% protection from measles."

Because measles is a severe illness it is also important for caregivers to seek medical advice if their children become sick.

Measles starts like a flu-like illness but it steadily gets worse with a high fever and cough.  The characteristic rash appears after several days. It is extremely infectious, so please phone ahead to your doctor to ensure the safety of other patients and surgery staff.

"If your child is sick seek advice from your doctor or practice nurse, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116".

Symptoms of Measles:
•    High Fever
•    Hacking Cough
•    Red Eyes
•    Running Nose
•    Rash
•    Initially presents like a 'cold' but then gets worse.
•    Rash appears 3-4 days after initial symptoms
•    Ear infections, diarrhoea, and/or pneumonia are also possible.
•    Most children take one to two weeks to recover

More information about immunisation and the National Immunisation Schedule is available at www.moh.govt.nz/immuniation.

The Immunisation Advisory Centre offers independent advice about immunisation through its toll-free line 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863) and at its website.