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 Media Releases Northlanders urged to be on guard against Measles Northlanders urged to be on guard against Measles
Thursday, 06 August 2009
Northland District Health Board advise Northlanders to ensure their family are protected from Measles, with the Auckland region experiencing a surge in cases. Medical Officer of Health Jonathan Jarman confirmed today the first notified case of Measles in Northland since 2001, a 4-month old boy in Whangarei. The child has not been hospitalised and is recovering at home with his family, it is believed he contracted the virus in Auckland. Measles is a very infectious virus and the concern is in the initial presentation it could be mistaken for a cold, with the tell-tale rash appearing three to four days later. "Measles has the potential to make your children very sick, with the symptoms including high fever, hacking cough, red eyes, running nose and a rash" said Dr Jarman. "On average children with measles are sick enough to require one to two weeks off school". Dr Jarman said that a number of rash-causing illnesses can appear to be very similar to measles including meningococcal disease. "The bottom line is that if you are worried about a sick child then check it out with your doctor". Commonly referred to as the ‘miserable-measles', the best prevention is Immunisation. Dr Jarman advises parents check their Childs immunization records, "This is an avoidable disease where there is an effective vaccine." Children who have not received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) are most at risk; this is included within the 15-month and 4-year old immunization schedule. "Please double-check that your child is not at risk.'' "Vaccination is a much easier option than having a very sick child at home for a couple of weeks." Symptoms of Measles:
Attached is a Measles fact sheet for parents and Caregivers with further information. -Ends-
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IMAC Measles Fact Sheet for Parents & Caregivers