Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew says recent cases of measles serve as a timely reminder for people to check they are protected against this highly-infectious disease, especially before travelling.
"There have been 28 confirmed measles cases since the end of December 2013. All these people either caught the disease overseas, or were in contact with someone who had recently done so," said Mrs Goodhew.
"I commend the public health units who have been doing a great job to help prevent the further spread of measles. Where necessary, people exposed to the virus have been asked to remain at home until the incubation period passes.
"This Government has made immunisation a priority, as a result New Zealand's current immunisation rates among young children is high with 93 per cent of two-year olds having received the first of their two Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations.
"However, poorer immunisation coverage in the past means that some other age groups, such as teenagers and young adults, have much lower levels of protection.
