Measles reminder to get immunised
A rapid rise in the number of measles cases is a reminder for parents to make sure that their children’s immunisations are up to date.
There have been 90 notified measles cases so far this year – more than seven times higher than the total number of cases for all of last year.
Measles is highly infectious and spread through coughing and sneezing. It can lead to pneumonia, ear infections and in rare cases, much more serious complications, says the Ministry of Health’s Chief Advisor for Population Health Dr Greg Simmons.
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is very effective if children get it on time at 15 months and four years of age. Once fully immunised, 90 to 95 per cent of children are protected from measles.
“Talk to your family doctor or practice nurse if your child is behind with an immunisation – it’s never too late to catch up.”
Measles usually starts with a fever, conjunctivitis (red eyes), runny nose and small, irregular, bright red spots with a small white speck on the inside of the mouth. The red rash that people associate with measles may not appear until several days after the first symptoms show.
“If you think your child or someone in your family has measles, phone your doctor first and get their advice. Don’t take measles to the waiting room. We say this because measles is so infectious. It’s estimated that up to 13 people could become infected from coming into contact with just one person with this disease,” Dr Simmons says.
“People can help stop measles spreading by keeping sick children at home but don’t hesitate seek medical help if your child seems to be getting worse.”
You can also help stop measles spreading by covering your cough, using tissues, washing and drying your hands after coughing or sneezing and staying away from sick people.
For more information
talk to your family doctor or practice nurse
call the Immunisation Advisory Centre toll-free phone line 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863)
go to the Immunisation Advisory Centre website http://www.immune.org.nz or the Ministry of Health website http://www.moh.govt.nz/immunisation
ENDS
Questions and Answers
What is Measles?
Measles, sometimes known as English Measles, can lead to ear infections, pneumonia and diarrhoea, and in some cases serious complications like inflammation (swelling) of the brain.
How can you catch measles?
Measles is highly infectious and is spread by sneezing, coughing or from direct contact with nasal or throat secretions. It is estimated that up to 13 people can become infected from coming into contact with just one person with measles.
What are the symptoms?
A fever might not appear until 10-12 days after a person is infected and the characteristic measles rash can take several more days to develop. A person is infectious from one day before the start of symptoms to four days after the appearance of the rash.
How is measles diagnosed and treated?
If a doctor suspects measles they can confirm it through a blood test or throat swab. Usually the only treatment is to relieve symptoms. It is important that anyone with measles stays at home until they are no longer infectious – at least four days after the rash appears.
How effective is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine?
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is given free at 15 months and four years of age as part of the National Immunisation Schedule. It is estimated that 90 to 95 per cent of people are protected after both doses. Though some people will still get the disease even if they have been immunised, it is usually not as severe as it is in people who have not been vaccinated. The measles vaccine was not introduced in New Zealand until 1969. Most adult New Zealanders are thought to be immune to measles.