Measles alert: officials optimistic

Northland health officials are keeping their fingers crossed that no more measles cases will be identified in the region after almost 70 people in Auckland were infected by the disease.
Sixty-four people have now been diagnosed with measles in Auckland's largest outbreak this year and that number may rise, health authorities say.
The Auckland Regional Public Health Service said eight people with the disease were in quarantine, and they were watching anyone not immunised who had come into contact with measles at Titirangi Private Kindergarten, Avondale College, Whakaaranga School and Auckland Academy of Dance.
Most cases have occurred in west Auckland with some spread to central Auckland, the North Shore, and Manukau, and five cases have needed hospital treatment. Almost all the 64 cases were in people who had not been immunised.
Northland had 31 measles cases last year, but only one so far this year, after a fully immunised 9-year-old boy in Hokianga was confirmed with measles last week.
Northland medical officer of health Jonathan Jarman said that since then four children suspected of having measles around the region had been followed up but were found not to have the classic symptoms.
"We have our fingers crossed that there will be no further cases," he said.
The infected child's school has contacted parents and asked for unvaccinated children to stay away from class this week.
It is school holidays from next week and officials are hoping the disease does not spread further as people go on holiday in other regions.
"Measles vaccination gives a high level of protection but, very occasionally, vaccinated children do develop the disease," Dr Jarman said.
"Most people who catch measles are unvaccinated."
He said children who had not received at least one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine were most at risk.
The shot was included in the 15-month and 4-year-old immunisation schedule. Ear infections, diarrhoea and/or pneumonia were also possible measles complications.