NZ: Measles cases

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Re: NZ: 93 Measles cases

Re: NZ: 93 Measles cases

Source: http://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/article/?id=13337


6 Aug, 2009
Measles suspected

PARENTS are being urged to ensure their children?s immunisations are up-to-date after a suspected case of measles in the Tairawhiti district.

Lab results to confirm whether a Gisborne child has measles are expected late tomorrow.

Tairawhiti District Health medical officer of health Dr Geoff Cramp said the rapid spread of measles in other parts of the country had health officials on high alert.

?There is national concern about the rising number of cases, with 76 notified cases from January 1 to July 16 this year, compared to 12 cases for all of 2008.?

Parents were being encouraged to ensure children between 12 months and 12 years were fully immunised.

?Our district immunisation rates are among the lowest in the country.

?When there are children and adults in the community who are not immune to a disease, an epidemic can occur,? said Dr Cramp.

?Measles is an extremely infectious disease with just one case on average infecting a further 12-18 people.

?It spreads through coughing and sneezing.?

Measles can be very serious, with complications such as ear infections and pneumonia. Hospitalisation is common. Death can occur in around one per 1000 cases and some people may suffer severe brain damage.

?It is likely we are now at the beginning of a serious outbreak in New Zealand,? said Dr Cramp.

?The only way of preventing measles is by having high community immunisation rates. Protecting our own children also helps to protect everyone else?s children,? he said.

?The measles mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is very effective. Once children have received two doses it protects 90 to 95 percent of children.

?If your child is behind on their immunisations, talk to your doctor or practice nurse.?

? Measles starts with a fever, conjunctivitis (red eyes), runny nose and small irregular bright red spots with small white specks on the inside of the mouth.

The rash may not appear until several days after the first symptoms.

It is important that if measles is suspected, you stay at home and phone your GP.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: NZ: 93 Measles cases

Re: NZ: 93 Measles cases

Source: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0908/S00086.htm

Measles outbreak prompts vaccination push
Thursday, 6 August 2009, 1:27 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Government


Hon Tony Ryall
Minister of Health

6 August 2009 Media Statement
Measles outbreak prompts vaccination push
Extra supply of vaccine has been bought by the Ministry of Health as one of the measures to combat the current measles outbreak.

Cases have been reported in Canterbury and Auckland, and there were cases in Otago earlier in the year.

Health Minister Tony Ryall says, "So far this year New Zealand has had 149 cases of measles, which is more than 10 times the number for all of last year. As well as the 30-thousand plus extra doses of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine the Ministry has already secured, they are sourcing more doses."


"Measles is highly contagious. It's estimated that for every case up to 13 contacts could catch the disease, which is spread by coughing and sneezing. And the consequences can be very serious. Measles can lead to pneumonia, ear infections and, in rare cases, encephalitis (brain infection)."

The Ministry of Health is advising doctors and practice nurses to contact the families of children aged between 12 months and 12 years who have no record of receiving a dose of the MMR vaccine.

Practices are also being encouraged to immunise opportunistically, and immunise all unimmunised contacts of a measles case.

Adults born after 1969 who have not had the vaccine are also being advised to get vaccinated.

In Canterbury, vaccination for children has been brought forward from the scheduled doses at 15 months and 4 years, to be vaccinated at 12 months and 13 months.

More information is available on the Ministry of Health website, www.moh.govt.nz/immunisation

 

[Shiloh]

Re: NZ: 93 Measles cases

Re: NZ: 93 Measles cases

Source: http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/new-measles-cases-prompts-health-service-warning/5/20249

New Measles Cases Prompts Health Service Warning


Contributor:
Voxy News Engine Voxy News Engine
Thursday, 6 August, 2009 - 07:33

Wellington, Aug 6 NZPA - Two new cases of the measles in different Auckland schools has prompted the public health service to urge parents check their children's immunisations are current.

Both Diocesan School for Girls in Epsom and Vauxhall Primary School in Devonport have reported one confirmed measles case.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) clinical director Julia Peters said new measles cases had been expected because the disease was very infectious.

"(It) can have serious complications we are urging parents to check their children's measles immunisations are up-to-date.

"Any child aged 12 months to 12 years who has not received one measles immunisation needs to receive it as soon as possible."

Even casual contact with a measles could pose a risk for those not immune, Dr Peters said.

ARPHS advised that unimmunised people who had been in contact with those who had contracted the virus needed to stay away from school until the risk of developing measles had passed.

Immunisation was the only effective way to protect against measles.

"We advise parents to immunise children on time but remember it's never too late to catch up with immunisations," Dr Peters said.

Any parents unsure about their children's record could check with their GP or practice nurse who would arrange for any catch-ups or necessary immunisations.

Measles spreads easily through the air, especially from coughing and sneezing. Pneumonia and ear infections were common symptoms of measles and could lead to other potentially fatal complications.

Symptoms included a fever, runny nose, cough and sore, red eyes. After a few days a red rash will appear on the face and will move to the rest of the body.

NZPA WGT rq mgr nb

 

[Shiloh]

Re: NZ: 93 Measles cases

Re: NZ: 93 Measles cases

Source: http://www.northernadvocate.co.nz/local/news/measles-rears-ugly-head-in-northland/3902520/


Measles rears ugly head in Northland

Imran Ali | 8th August 2009


A measles alert is out for Northland after a 4-month-old boy tested positive to the potentially fatal disease - the first notified case in the region since 2001.

The Whangarei boy is believed to have contracted the virus in Auckland, where two children are infected and scores of children who have not been vaccinated are being told to stay away from school.

Northland medical officer for health Dr Jonathan Jarman said the 4-month-old boy had not been hospitalised and was recovering at home.

Last month, Dr Jarman warned that Northland was a sitting duck once the infection reached Auckland because about 30 per cent of children were still not vaccinated by the age of two.

Yesterday, he advised parents to check their children's immunisation records to ensure they were not at risk.

Vaccination was a much easier option than having a sick child at home for a couple of weeks, he said. Children who had not received at least one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine were most at risk.

"In the initial presentation it could be mistaken for a cold, with the telltale rash appearing three to four days later," he said.

On average, infected children could require one or two weeks off school.
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"What we usually say is that if a child with a rash is smiling, it isn't measles.

"The bottom line is that if you are worried about a sick child then check it out with your doctor."

Health Minister Tony Ryall announced the purchase of extra vaccine supplies to combat the outbreak.

He said the extra medication would complement more than 30,000 doses of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine his ministry had already secured.

Facts on measles:

* One person with measles virus can infect up to 13 others.

* Indications include hacking cough, red eyes, running nose and rash.

* Measles can lead to pneumonia, ear infections and, in rare cases, encephalitis or brain infection.

* One death and one brain inflammation for every 1000 cases.

* Measles begins with a fever, cough, running nose, loss of appetite and red eyes with symptoms lasting for between three and five days.

* Usually, white spots are seen inside the mouth which are followed by a rash - beginning at the hairline then gradually spreading down the body to the arms and legs, lasting between four to six days.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: NZ: 93 Measles cases

Re: NZ: 93 Measles cases

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/nor...er/2735713/Measles-outbreak-reaches-Whangarei

Measles outbreak reaches Whangarei
Whangarei Leader
Last updated 05:00 11/08/2009

Whangarei?s low immunisation rate could put children at risk of contracting potentially deadly measles.

Manaia public health organisation?s Linda Hollman says Northland has an immunisation rate of 52 percent for children under the age of two and an overall rate of about 70 percent.

A cover rate of 95 percent is needed to protect a community.

Northland District Health Board medical officer of health Jonathan Jarman says Northland has one of the lowest immunisation rates in the country.

Last week it was confirmed that a four-month-old boy in Whangarei has the highly contagious illness and is the first confirmed measles cases in Northland since 2001.

The child has not been hospitalised and is recovering at home with his family. It is believed he contracted the virus in Auckland.

Auckland has had a number of confirmed cases of measles after the outbreak of the viral infection spread north from Otago and Christchurch.

Northland District Health Board spokeswoman Paula Martin says Whangarei?s close proximity to Auckland means there is a high chance of the illness spreading to the north.

Measles is a potentially serious, highly infectious disease caused by a virus, also known by the name morbilli or rubeola.

Measles is the most common vaccine-preventable cause of death among children throughout the world.

One in 1000 cases develop inflammation of the brain, 15 percent of these cases die and about one-third are left with permanent brain damage.

Mr Jarman says the concern is in the initial presentation it could be mistaken for a cold, with the tell-tale rash appearing three to four days later.

"Measles has the potential to make your children very sick, with the symptoms including high fever, hacking cough, red eyes, running nose and a rash."

Mr Jarman says a number of rash-causing illnesses can appear to be very similar to measles including meningococcal disease.

"The bottom line is that if you are worried about a sick child then check it out with your doctor."

 

[Shiloh]

Re: NZ: 93 Measles cases

Re: NZ: 93 Measles cases

Source: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0908/S00104.htm

Measles rates rising in Auckland
Wednesday, 19 August 2009, 5:01 pm
Press Release: Auckland Regional Public Health Service

Measles rates rising in Auckland

The number of people in the Auckland region becoming ill with measles is increasing.

To date there are a total of 18 people reported as confirmed with measles in the Auckland region. For each of these cases numerous contacts have had to be followed up.

Measles is a serious and highly infectious viral disease that can make people very sick with complications including ear infections, pneumonia and encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. It is expected 1 in 10 people who get measles will end up in hospital and in rare cases, it can be fatal.


The percentage of 18 month old children who have received their first dose of the measles mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is low at 72% in the Auckland region.

?Immunisation is the only protection against measles? say Clinical Director, Auckland Regional Public Health Service, Dr Julia Peters. ?The fewer people who are immunised, the faster and wider measles will spread. Auckland region?s low rates of immunisation mean we are now seeing a rise in the number of people, not just young children, becoming ill with measles?.

As a result of the current measles outbreak the Ministry of Health is asking doctors to recall all children aged between 12 months and 12 years who have not yet received a dose of the MMR vaccine. Also all adults born after 1969 are eligible for a free MMR booster if they have not been diagnosed with measles in the past, or received two doses of the MMR vaccine.

The early symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, sore red eyes and white spots in the mouth. After 3 to 5 days a rash appears on the head and moves down the body.

?Everyone should watch out for the symptoms of measles? say Dr Peters. ?If you or your child is unwell and you suspect it is measles, it is important to call your GP or Healthline on 0800 611 116 as soon as possible. People who are sick ? with measles or with anything else - should stay home until they are better to prevent the infection of others.?

Measles is highly infectious so please phone your GP first before going to the surgery.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: NZ: 93 Measles cases

Re: NZ: 93 Measles cases

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/2785573/Measles-warning

Measles warning
The Marlborough Express
Last updated 12:01 25/08/2009

A pre-schooler who had already received one immunisation for measles, mumps and rubella has become the first reported case of measles in Marlborough since December 2003.


Health authorities will not give the child's age, gender or what area of Marlborough he or she is from, but say immunisation had been received at the recommended 15 months age. The child was not yet 4, the usual age when the second dose is given.


Nelson Marlborough Medical Officer of Health Dr Ed Kiddle said up to 10 per cent of children were not fully protected by the first dose of MMR but having two doses afforded most a high protection.

To prevent an epidemic, the Ministry of Health is now recommending children be immunised at 12 months and then given their second dose one month later.


Dr Kiddle said measles was extremely infectious, and susceptible people could pick up the infection even after an hour in the same room. Parents unsure if their child's immunisation was up to date should contact their doctor or practice nurse.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: NZ: 93 Measles cases

Re: NZ: 93 Measles cases

Source: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0909/S00032.htm

Huge demand for MMR vaccinations in Canterbury
Friday, 4 September 2009, 4:59 pm
Press Release: Canterbury District Health Board

Media Release
DATE: 4 September 2009 SUBJECT:

Huge demand for MMR vaccinations in Canterbury

Canterbury health professionals have received a positive response to efforts to contain a measles outbreak that is sweeping through pre-schools and schools.

In early August the Canterbury District Health Board sent letters to Canterbury General Practitioners asking them to identify children that may be at risk of catching the illness. Parents of these children were then contacted and encouraged to bring in their child for full vaccination against the highly contagious infection. As a result over 5,000 Canterbury children have received the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination in the last month. In the same month last year 700 MMR vaccinations were given.
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?This is an outstanding effort from the parents and general practices of Canterbury. It has certainly reduced the level of measles in our community, probably prevented hospital admissions and possibly saved lives,? says Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, Dr Alistair Humphrey. ?The number of measles notifications has reduced but is still higher than usual, so we need to remain vigilant and bring our children up to date on their immunisations,? says Dr Humphrey.

The most recent cluster of cases has occurred at Oaklands School. Five children have been infected with measles and the school is taking preventative measures to curb its spread. ?We?ve contacted all of our parents to keep them informed of the situation. Our school newsletter has included Ministry of Health advice regarding measles. We have also requested that non-vaccinated children who are in the same classes as children who have been diagnosed with measles, are kept at home for two weeks,? says Margaret Trotter, Principal of Oaklands School.

Rangiora Medical Centre GP Dr Alf Scragg says ?We?ve had around 100 ?extra? children receiving MMR vaccinations over the past month. These are infants who have been called in earlier than usual for their second vaccination and children who have not yet had their first round.? Parents have been very positive about the request and relieved that their children are now immunised.

Measles is a serious disease that is highly infectious and can spread from person to person through the air by breathing, coughing and sneezing. It can cause a rash, high fever, runny nose and sore watery eyes. It can lead to pneumonia, ear infections and brain damage and can occasionally be fatal. Anyone who thinks they or a family member has measles should stay at home and phone their General Practice or After Hours Clinic for advice.

ENDS

 

[Shiloh]

Re: NZ: 220 Measles cases

Re: NZ: 220 Measles cases

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/2850703/Teenagers-targeted-in-race-to-halt-measles

Teenagers targeted in race to halt measles
By JANINE RANKIN - Manawatu Standard
Last updated 12:00 10/09/2009

Teenagers have become the target of the race to stop a measles outbreak spreading to the MidCentral Health district next week.

The Health Ministry is urging general practices to contact unimmunised people aged 13 to 20 to offer them free vaccination.

Teenagers have been particularly affected by this year's surge in measles, especially in Christchurch, which accounts for the bulk of the 220 notified cases.

"Increasing MMR [measles-mumps-rubella] vaccination coverage in this age group in our region will be important to prevent outbreaks," said MidCentral medical officer of health Jill McKenzie.

"Besides protecting the individual from becoming infected with the measles virus, ensuring that children and young adults are up to date with vaccination means they will not have to be away from school if someone else in their class is a case of measles."

Close contacts of people infectious with measles who are not fully vaccinated can be legally excluded from school for 14 days. They carry about a 90 per cent chance of catching the highly infectious disease.

In the MidCentral district almost one-quarter of children are not up to date with their vaccinations at the age of two, while more than a third are running behind schedule at 18 months.

Around 90 per cent to 95 per cent vaccination rates are needed to prevent epidemics.

Improving vaccination rates among children and young people offers protection for young babies who are too young to be immunised, but have the greatest risk of complications if they catch diseases like measles.