Dr Meia Schmidt-Uili talks about the signs and symptoms of measles and the importance of getting immunised.
Video / Waitemata DHB / Twitter
Auckland Regional Public Health Service, medical officer of health, Dr William Rainger said as of today in Auckland there had been 881 cases of measles confirmed.
Four strains of the virus are circulating the country, as Kiwis battle the worst outbreak in more than two decades.
Rainger said the rate of increase in Auckland remained consistent.
Counties Manukau District Health Board, General Manager, Child Youth and Maternity, Carmel Ellis said 2048 people has been immunised at drop in clinics.
Rainger said the majority of people affected in Auckland were Pacifika, about 40 per cent and 40 per cent of Auckland measles cases had been hospitalised.
Ministry of Health, Director of Public Health, Dr Caroline McElnay said no one knows when there will be a peak, but they expect it to be in the coming weeks.
McElnay said throughout the year Pharmac had worked to bring in extra MMR vaccine, and in recent weeks they had seen "unprecedented use".
Rainger said two thirds of the vaccination distribution was being distributed in Auckland.
A seven-month-old baby with measles. Photo / Supplied
What is measles?
Measles is a viral illness that causes a skin rash and fever. It is very contagious.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Symptoms usually begin to show about 10 to 14 days after infection with the virus.
The illness begins with fever, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis (inflammation in the eyes), which lasts for 2-4 days.
It may be possible to see small white spots (Koplik spots) inside the mouth.
A rash appears 2-4 days after the first symptoms, beginning at the hairline and gradually spreading down the body to the arms and legs. The rash lasts for up to one week.
You can have measles and spread it to others before you feel sick or show any symptoms.
How does measles spread?
The virus spreads easily through the air by sneezing or coughing. It can also be spread by contact with surfaces contaminated with an infected person's nose and throat secretions.
Measles can also be caught by breathing the same air as an infected person, such as sitting next to them on the bus. The virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace where the infected person coughed or sneezed.
Where can I seek advice or find out more about measles?
Free phone Healthline on 0800 611 116 or visit:
• The Ministry of Health website – www.health.govt.nz • The Auckland Regional Public Health Service website – www.arphs.health.nz • The Immunisation Advisory Centre website – www.immune.org.nz (or free phone 0800 466 863)
