Measles Outbreak in Christchurch School

Four Christchurch Boys High School pupils have been confirmed as having measles this week and another is suspected of having the disease.

Canterbury District Health Board’s Community and Public Health Division has been working with the school, pupils and parents to prevent the disease spreading further.

Measles, sometimes known as English Measles, is a viral infection that can lead to ear infections, pneumonia and/or diarrhoea. Sometimes it can cause serious problems such as inflammation (swelling) of the brain.

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink said, “the boys who are unwell are being isolated at home and their close contacts are being advised to stay at home for several days unless they have had two MMR immunisations which would give them immunity from the disease.”

“Those who have not been immunised should visit their GPs and receive their immunisations. It really is important for children to be immunised against this disease which can produce some serious complications,” he said.

All pupils and parents at the School are being told of the measles cases and have been asked to contact their GP if they see any signs of the disease which include fever, red eyes (conjunctivitis), runny nose, spots on the inside of the mouth and a rash which appears in days three to seven of the illness.

ENDS