Country Kids

Measles Update

This disease is expected in our community in the near future.

There are currently significant outbreaks in Christchurch and Auckland. Immunisation could prevent this.

Measles is a serious and extremely infectious disease. It is infectious for several days before the rash appears to 4 days afterwards. The virus is carried in air currents. Up to 30% of people with measles can have complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhoea and encephalitis (brain inflammation). In previous measles outbreaks the risk of dying from measles was one in one thousand.

The MMR vaccination is very effective with greater than 95% of children being protected from measles when fully immunised. Usually the MMR vaccine is given at 15 months of age and at 4 years. With the current high risk of an outbreak of measles the Ministry of Health is advising the first dose of MMR can be given from age 1 year and the second dose a month later to complete the two doses.

Unimmunised children, or those behind, create a pool of vulnerable people and this enables measles to spread.

There is also an increase in Whooping cough being seen so do make sure your child is up to date with this vaccination.