Measles Outbreak - Information from the Ministry of Health
There has been a rapid rise in the number of measles cases reported around the country, with the number of notified cases so far this year already seven times higher than the total number of cases last year. There have been more than 100 cases in Canterbury, including 11 who have been hospitalised. The number of cases in Auckland is growing, and there are isolated cases in other regions.
Measles is a highly infectious notifiable disease with serious complications. It is important to stop the spread of measles by keeping infected children at home. Immunisation is free, and is the best way to prevent measles. Doctors have begun recalling unimmunised patients to increase immunisation coverage.
Parents and caregivers should check that immunisations are up-to-date. Immunisation is free. Once immunised, 90 to 95 per cent of people are protected from measles.
Under the Health (Infectious and Notifiable Diseases) Regulations 1966 (Section 14), a student with measles must stay away from school for seven days from the appearance of the rash.
You can also call the Immunisation Advisory Centre toll-free line 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863) or going to the IMAC website http://www.immune.org.nz