Measles outbreak follows movie screening

Several Auckland children are being tested for measles after attending a morning movie screening at St Lukes Cinemas on Saturday.

One child is confirmed to have the disease, while a number of others are being tested, Auckland Regional Public Health Service medical officer of health Richard Hoskins said.

Anyone who attended the 10.50am screening of Pirates of the Carribean 3D at St Lukes Cinemas on Saturday could be at risk of infection if they had not been immunised, Dr Hoskins said.

He said vaccination was the only protection from measles.

"This disease spreads easily through the air, especially from coughing and sneezing - it is highly infectious.

"It commonly causes ear infections and pneumonia, and may lead to other serious complications and can, in some cases, be fatal," he said.

"These latest measles cases confirm that measles is still circulating in our communities so it's really important that children are immunised to protect them from needless suffering."

People who attended are asked to check if their immunisation is up to date, and to speak to their doctor if they have not been.

Dr Hoskins said anyone who developed measles symptoms - a runny nose, a cough, sore eyes, fever or a red rash - between now and June 11 should stay home and limit visitor numbers.

They should also call their doctor to arrange an appointment, making sure they tell the doctor they think they could have measles.

- NZPA