Measles numbers continue to rise in Auckland

Five people have required hospitalisation during this outbreak. Photo / Sarah Ivey

The number of people confirmed with measles in Auckland continues to rise.

There were 94 confirmed cases of the highly infectious disease in the region as of this morning, up from 76 last Monday, the Auckland Regional Public Health Service said.

Eight people were in quarantine and five cases had required hospitalisation.

Almost all cases were people who were not immunised, medical officer of health Richard Hoskins said.

The latest rise included several cases associated with Ranui Baptist Church in west Auckland, where a number of un-immunised people had developed the disease, he said.

Immunisation was the only protection, he said.

"By getting immunised you will not only be protecting yourself or your child, you'll be also be stopping this disease from spreading in our communities.

"If you do come into contact with a person infected with measles, if you have not been immunised or have not had the disease, then you may be advised to be isolated - to stay at home and away from all public places, school or work for 14 days after coming into contact."

The outbreak was brought to New Zealand from Britain by a west Auckland school student, who quickly infected six non-immunised people in his classroom of 30.

Meanwhile, three cases of measles were confirmed in an outbreak in Waikato on Saturday, the Waikato District Health Board (DHB) said.

Seven cases were suspected and more were likely, it said.

The outbreak appeared to have started about a week ago in Te Awamutu, south of Hamilton, and its surrounding communities, medical officer of health Dell Hood said.

Common symptoms of measles included a runny nose, cough, sore eyes and fever, followed by a raised red rash that started on the face and moved to cover the rest of the body.

Anyone showing such symptoms should immediately telephone their doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116, for advice.

- NZPA