Make sure your Easter doesnt include measles

Northland District Health Board advise no increase in the number of confirmed cases of measles in the Northland region.

However, Public health officials will continue to monitor the situation with an expected influx of visitors throughout the region during the Easter break.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Jonathan Jarman is urging people to be extra vigilant.

"Easter celebrations in Northland include all manner of gatherings including hui, unveilings, festivals and church services. For the sake of your families health, if you are unwell stay home, and ring your doctor if necessary." said Dr Jarman.

The tell-tale rash associated with Measles does not appear for several days after the onset of Measles. Often mistaken for influenza or a bad cold this is when the virus is at its most contagious.  It is crucial to avoid large gatherings and seek medical advice.

Measles has the potential to make children very sick for one to two weeks.  A number of rash-causing illnesses can appear to be very similar to measles including meningococcal disease. 

Measles is a vaccine preventable disease - Immunisation is your best protection.

"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
• 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

The best things you can do to stop the spread of Measles is to stay at home and call your doctor.

If you or a family member become sick, stay home and telephone your doctor or local health provider. This is to prevent you from infecting others.

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 from 12 months of age, and any adult under the age of 40 who wants it.

It is estimated that 90 to 95 per cent of people are protected from measles after one dose, and 99% protected once they have had both doses.

More information about immunisation and the National Immunisation Schedule is available at http://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 http://www.immune.org.nz/.

 Measles Fact Sheet 197.76 Kb

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For further information, please contact:
Paula Martin, Communications Officer
Northland District Health Board 
Phone (09) 430 4101 ext 3321