Unimmunised children now at real risk

The Northland DHB has confirmed five further cases of measles in Northland (initially reported earlier this week as six). The victims, all children in the Hokianga and all unimmunised, had been in contact with the first case reported on July 29.

Northland Medical Officer of Health Dr Clair Mills has once again urged parents to ensure their families are protected.

"Measles is highly infectious, and if children are not immunised there is a very high chance that they will get sick if exposed to someone with measles," she said.

"The vast majority of the at-risk children and adults who were in contact with the first case stayed in isolation until the risk of infection was over. However, the non-immunised family members now have measles.

"The latest case had been asked to stay in isolation but has become infected. Unfortunately the child attended an early childhood centre for some days last week. Children do not usually receive MMR [measles vaccine] until 15 months of age, so we are particularly concerned for the younger infants who have been in contact with this case, who are also the most vulnerable to complications such as pneumonia if they get measles."

Measles could be a very serious illness, one in three sufferers experiencing complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis or diarrhoea. And while, on average, one victim in 10 would be hospitalised, admission rates in the on-going Hamilton outbreak had been higher.

Dr Mills reiterated that immunisation was the best protection against a potentially serious disease.

"Unfortunately there has been very low measles immunisation coverage in much of Northland until the last few years. This means that many children and young adults are susceptible to measles," she said.

"This is an avoidable disease where there is an effective vaccine. Immunisation protects not only the individual, but also stops the spread of this disease within our communities and protects our most vulnerable - infants and people who are immune-compromised, such as those on cancer treatment.

"Please double check that your child is not at risk. There is a window of opportunity now, while cases are limited to one part of Northland, to catch up on any missed vaccinations. Vaccination is a much better option than having a very sick child at home for a couple of weeks."

She recommended that the first MMR vaccine be given at 12 months while measles was present in the community. A second MMR could be given a month later, to ensure maximal protection.

Unimmunised people who had had contact with a person with measles would normally be advised to stay at home and away from all public places, including school or work, for 14 days after contact.

Anyone born before 1969 or who had received two doses of MMR could reasonably assume that they were immune.

"Measles is spread by tiny droplets in the air and is very infectious, easily spreading to those nearby," she added.

"The first symptoms [fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes] can be mistaken for a cold, with the rash appearing on the face and neck and spreading over the body three to five days later."

Anyone displaying symptoms of measles should telephone their doctor or Healthline (0800 611-116) without delay.