As school holidays start, the local Medical Officer of Health urges parents to ensure that their children are up to date with their immunisations

There is concern that measles may spread to people in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes region during the school holiday.

Measles remains a risk in New Zealand with the continuing outbreak of measles in the Auckland area now having reached 64 cases.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Jim Miller says there are no confirmed cases in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes region, but with families travelling around New Zealand and overseas bit is important to check that parent and children are up to date with immunisations in general and MMR (measles, mumps and rubella vaccine) in particular.

Measles immunisation provides effective protection. MMR is given in two doses, normally at 15 months and 4 years of age.

'School holidays can be a convenient time for many families to catch up with their immunisations. Contact your family doctor or practice nurse if you or your child needs to be immunised – it's never too late to catch up,” says Jim.

People born before 1969 are likely to be immune because measles used to be quite common but those born from 1969 onwards who are unsure of their immunity should check with their doctor.

Measles usually begins with a runny nose, fever and sore eyes. This is followed by a red, blotchy rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

'Measles is highly infectious and complications are quite common. These include diarrhoea, ear infections and, more seriously, pneumonia and brain inflammation,” says Jim.

Knowing what to do if you suspect you or someone in the family has measles can help limit spread to others.

If you think your child or someone in your family may have measles; stay at home and phone your doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice.