Measles case confirmed in Auckland

Tuesday 31 December 2013

People are being urged to be vigilant after the first measles case in Auckland since June 2012 was confirmed today.

The confirmed case, reports the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS), contracted measles while in Sydney earlier this month where they were taking part in the 2013 World Supremacy Battlegrounds hip-hop competition. ARPHS is aware that teams from elsewhere in New Zealand attended the event, including Hamilton and Huntly.

ARPHS is following standard procedures in managing this situation, including following up with those who had contact with the infected person, alerting Auckland health professionals and emergency departments, and updating the Ministry of Health.

Measles symptoms start with a high fever, which develops about ten days after exposure. This is followed with one or more of the following: a runny nose, cough, red eyes and small white spots inside the mouth. A red blotchy rash on the neck and face appears three or four days later before spreading to the rest of the body.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Catherine Jackson warns that measles is extremely infectious and can cause serious complications.

“Auckland’s last major measles outbreak in 2011 demonstrates how quickly the disease can spread: one infected child resulted in nearly 500 cases and 80 hospital admissions.

“If you have measles symptoms or any concerns, phone your GP or Healthline on 0800 611 116. If you need to see a doctor it is important to call first to avoid spreading measles in the waiting room,” says Dr Jackson.

ENDS

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