Quick response ensures measles-free Tairawhiti

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Tairawhiti has so far escaped the measles outbreak affecting other centres thanks to a quick response two weeks ago.

Four people were placed in quarantine or isolation after being in contact with people who had measles, but none have developed the illness.

“No people were infected by the visitors who were contagious with measles, which is great news,” said medical officer of health Dr Bruce Duncan.

“ A few children with possible symptoms of measles have been seen and tested in primary care but they have not had measles.”

GPs and practice nurses have been busy providing advice, checking vaccination records and giving the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

“The hard work of primary care and the Wellchild team has increased the number of people who are immune, which means that if there are any cases of measles in Tairawhiti, the disease is much less likely to spread.

“That is so important to help protect babies and infants and those who are not immune,” Dr Duncan said.

The top priority for MMR vaccination is for children from 15 months who have not had their first MMR vaccination. Babies aged from 12 to 15 months who have to go to Auckland are also a priority, as well as older individuals who have not had any vaccination against measles.

A Hauora Tairawhiti spokeswoman said the district was not short of supplies of MMR vaccines.

“It makes sense to prioritise those who will get the most benefit from being vaccinated and those most at risk.

“ The priorities align with national priorities for measles vaccinations.”

Earlier this week the Ministry of Health said it was asking GPs to target vaccinations to the most vulnerable.

That meant first priority would be on ensuring all children across the country receive their vaccines on time at 15 months (or 12 months in Auckland).

The Ministry of Health is expecting a shipment of 52,000 measles, mumps and rubella vaccines to arrive in the country by the end of this weekend.

Up to yesterday there had been 1348 confirmed cases of measles notified across New Zealand including 1120 in the Auckland region.