1.4.2019
Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) has been notified of two new cases, increasing a household cluster to seven.
Medical Officer of Health Dr William Rainger says the two cases had been in quarantine as required when close contacts are unimmunised.
“As a result there’s been no further public exposure from these new cases.
“We do expect family members who are not immune to contract the disease. It is very contagious and the closer the contacts the more likely the spread,” he says.
Of the 12 cases, three contracted measles overseas, seven are close contacts of a case, one came from Christchurch, and one has an unknown source, Dr Rainger says
ARPHS is asking people to look out for symptoms - fever, cough, runny nose, sore red eyes and white spots inside the mouth. After three to five days a rash appears on the face and then moves down the body.
“But if you think you or a family member may have measles, phone to let the general practice know so you can be isolated on arrival,“ Dr Rainger says.
It is also important that children get their MMR vaccinations on time at 15 months and four years, and that anyone who has not had one MMR dose gets vaccinated, if they are under the age of 50 years of age.
For more information or advice on measles, please call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or see our measles page.