Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
More Measles In Hamilton
More Measles In Hamilton
Waikato District Health
Board’s Population Health service has received an increase
notifications for measles in Hamilton – with a significant
number associated to Fraser High School.
“Information about measles in Hamilton has been circulated to media already but with the recent increase, it’s timely to remind people again of the signs and symptoms and to check their child’s immunity status,” said Waikato DHB medical officer of health Dr Anita Bell.
“Information has been circulated regarding the increase in cases to all schools, early child care centres and general practice.”
Fraser High School students have been asked to stay at home if they have not been fully immunised for measles.
People who are regarded as not immune to measles are:
·
People younger than 45 years old (born after 01 January
1969) who have not had two doses of the
measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine or have not had a
laboratory confirmed positive measles result
·
Children over four years old who have not received their
second dose of MMR
· Infants under the age of 15
months who have not received their first routine dose of MMR
vaccine. They are susceptible and rely on everyone else to
be immune so that measles does not spread to them
“Measles can be a very serious illness, with one in three sufferers experiencing complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis or diarrhoea,” said Dr Bell.
“While one in 10 on average requires hospitalisation, admission rates in this outbreak have been higher.”
She reiterated that immunisation is the best protection from this potentially serious disease.
“Immunisation protects not only the individual, but also blocks the spread of this disease within our communities.”
Unimmunised people who have had contact with a person with measles, will normally be advised to stay at home and away from all public places, school or work for 14 days after their contact.
“Anyone born before 1969 or who has received two doses of MMR can reasonably assume they are already immune.”
If families suspect someone has measles they should call their doctor, where possible, before visiting to avoid spreading the disease while waiting.
Measles is spread by tiny droplets in the air and is one of the few diseases that can spread so easily to those nearby.
Dr Bell says anyone displaying symptoms of measles, which include fever, cough, blocked nose, sore red eyes, should immediately telephone their doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice.
Visit www.waikatodhb.health.nz/measles for Waikato measles information.
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
University of Auckland: Tributes Flow For Much Loved Pacific Leader Melegalenu’u Ah Sam
NZEI: Ministry Of Education Cuts Will Disproportionately Affect Pasifika
Day One Hapai te Haeata: Call To Action For Young Filmmakers Against The Backdrop Of Funding Cuts
Toyota New Zealand: Three Races For Top Three To Decide TR86 Title
Wellington City Council: Wellington Is All Action Stations For The Faultline Ultra Festival
Melanie Allison: Local Playwright Casts A Spell Over Hamilton