More measles cases discovered

The Waikato District Health Board fears more people could be infected with measles following the discovery of two more cases – taking the total of confirmed cases in the region to five.

The most recent case attended the Tainui Waka Kapa Haka festival while infectious, which took place at the Claudelands Event Centre in Hamilton on Saturday, April 16.


The Waikato District Health Board says two more measles cases have been discovered, taking the total to five. Photo: File

About 5000 people from across the North Island are believed to have attended the national event.

This includes 17 kapa haka groups from the Tainui Waka region spanning from the Coromandel down to South Waikato, including Waikato, Hauraki, Maniapoto and Raukawa.

The five cases all presented at Waikato Hospital's Emergency Department on the following days: Friday, March 25; Monday April 4; Saturday, April 9; Sunday, April 17; and Tuesday, April 19.

Two of the five infected people have since required hospitalisation.

Three measles cases were originally discovered earlier this month. The DHB believes a Waikato person initially contracted the disease during an overseas trip and upon their return inadvertently passed the infectious viral illness on to at least two others.

WHAT IS MEASLES AND WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?

Measles is a highly infectious virus that spreads easily from person to person through the air, via breathing, coughing and sneezing. It affects both children and adults.

The incubation period for measles is approximately two weeks – meaning it can take up to two weeks from exposure to show symptoms.

The first symptoms are a fever, as well as a runny nose, cough, sore red eyes and sometimes small white spots on the back inner cheek of the mouth.

After a few days a red blotchy rash comes on which usually starts on the face before spreading to the body. The rash lasts up to one week.

Non-immunised people who have had contact with a person with measles will normally be advised to stay at home and away from all public places, school or work for 14 days after their contact.

Measles can be life threatening with about 1 in 10 people who contract the disease requiring hospitalisation.

Measles can also lead to other complications includes ear infections which can lead to permanent hearing loss, diarrhoea, pneumonia, seizures and swelling of the brain – which is rare but can cause permanent brain damage or death.

If families suspect someone has measles they should call their doctor, where possible, before visiting to avoid spreading the disease in the waiting room.

For more information about measles visit the Waikato District Heath Board's website at: www.waikatodhb.health.nz/measles

You may also like....

2 comments

Thank-you, Thank-you, Thank-you

Posted on 22-04-2016 12:53 | By How about this view!

To all of those that leave the good health of all children to those others that do the right thing and Immunise their kids. Let's all hope that YOUR kids don't suffer eh!!! Once again SOMEONE ELSE is responsible....


With all due respect

Posted on 23-04-2016 08:21 | By astex

Most parents do what is best for their children however after good consideration of the pros and cons, they could decide that the "right thing" to them is not the "right thing" to you. Please do not suggest that parents that decide against YOUR "right thing" are not good parents.


Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.