One new case of measles has been confirmed on Thursday 8 August. There have now been three measles cases confirmed in Hawke's Bay. The latest case is an infant too young to be immunised.
Immunisation is the best protection, and herd immunity can assist those who cannot be immunised. The best protection for very young children is to ensure that those around them are vaccinated. This means ensuring family members, whānau and carers are vaccinated.
Health officials ask the public to check their immunisations are up-to-date, remain vigilant to symptoms, and phone their family doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116 if they suspect measles.
For more information on measles click here.
Measles update 26 July 2019
No new cases.
Two confirmed cases – the second case was a close contact of the first.
Health officials ask the public to remain vigilant to symptoms and phone their family doctor or Heathline on 0800 611 116 if they suspect measles, to avoid spread.
Measles update 22 July 2019
Hawke’s Bay District Health Board has late today received lab confirmation of a second measles case. The second case is a close contact of the infant confirmed last Friday and is in isolation at home.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Nicholas Jones said no other wider contact tracing was required following confirmation of the second case, because the person shared the same family and community contacts as the first.
The infant was discharged from hospital yesterday (Sunday 21).
Dr Jones said Hawke’s Bay health officials had been working through the weekend getting in touch with known contacts of the child and/or speaking with other possible close community contacts who had identified themselves.
Of 124 contacts identified and spoken to by public health officials at the weekend, 28 contacts were in isolation at their homes as a precaution to try and prevent measles spreading.
The contacts are in isolation because:
- Measles is highly infectious in the early stages when it is hard to tell measles from other common conditions such as a cold
- they are not immunised against measles, or;
- they are unsure of their immunisation status and are working with health officials to clarify this.
Healthline reported a small number of calls at the weekend. Five phone calls were logged from Hawke’s Bay people enquiring about the measles case.
Immunisation is the best protection and people are urged to check their immunisation status.
Symptoms
The first early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, sore red eyes and cough. After three to five days a red, blotchy rash appears on the face and head and then spreads down the body.
What to do if you suspect you, or a family member has measles
If you believe you or a family member may have measles, please stay at home and phone your doctor to alert them of your symptoms and allow them to make arrangements to assess you safely and without infecting other people. You can also call Healthline for free advice on 0800 611-116.
MMR Vaccine Protection
- Two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine provides the most effective protection for yourself, your family and the wider community. After one dose of the MMR vaccine, about 95% of people are protected from measles. After two doses, more than 99% people are protected.
- In New Zealand, if you were born in 1969 or later, you can get the measles vaccine for free.
- Older children and adults aged up to 50 years who have no documented evidence of vaccination against measles are recommended to get vaccinated.
- Almost everyone aged 50 or older who have had measles as a child is immune. 90 percent of people in their 30s and 40s are immune. Teenagers and young adults are least likely to have been immunised as young children.
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