Measles confirmed in Tairawhiti

23 November 2011

 Tairawhiti District Health yesterday confirmed two cases of measles in the district.
 
TDH Medical Office of Health, Dr Geoffrey Cramp, said confirmation by PCR test that two thirteen-year old boys definitely had measles meant that those who were not immunised were at extremely high risk of contracting the disease.
 
“If you or your children are not immunised, you should make an appointment to receive the vaccine immediately, or you will get measles” said Dr Camp.  
 
Anyone who is in contact with a case of measles will not be permitted to go to school or work if they are not immunised.
                 
Measles is a serious and highly infectious viral disease that can lead to hospitalisation, serious complications or, in rare cases, death.
                 
Dr Cramp said: “The only way to stop catching this horrible infectious illness is to be immunised. Vaccinating children and adults means that our whole whanau and community, babies, pregnant mums, ladies hoping to have a baby, and people who have weak immune systems are all protected too. Let us all be wise, immunise.”
 
The MMR vaccination which protects against measles is free for anyone born after 1969.  Dr Cramp said people showing symptoms of measles should phone their doctors prior to arriving, so they can be put into an isolated room.
 
ENDS
 
 
For more information contact Tairawhiti District Health:
Dr Geoff Cramp                                                                        Kathy McVey
Medical Officer of health                                                           Communications Manager
06 869-0500                                                                              021 223-7094