MEDIA RELEASE

11 May 2012

Measles update for the Bay of Plenty and Lakes communities

The threat of measles to the Bay of Plenty and Lakes communities is now much lower, with the last local case of measles confirmed in December.

During the outbreak, parents had the opportunity to protect their babies from measles by providing them with their first dose of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine from 12 months of age and the second dose 28 days later.

"While Auckland continues to report the occasional case, the risk of getting measles locally has reduced significantly. General practices have therefore been advised to go back to offering the MMR vaccine at the usual ages of 15 months and 4 years. It remains important for parents to ensure their children receive both doses of the vaccine for protection from measles," says Dr Phil Shoemack, Medical Officer of Health.

Measles usually begins with a runny nose, fever, cough and sore eyes. This is followed by a red, blotchy rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. “Measles is highly infectious and complications are quite common. Complications can include diarrhoea, ear infections, pneumonia, and more rarely, brain inflammation,” says Dr Shoemack.

If you think your child or someone in your family may have measles, stay at home and phone your doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice.

For more information:

§ Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service website: www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/measles

§ Immunisation Advisory Centre - 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863) or www.immune.org.nz

ENDS

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