Measles Outbreak

We currently have a few cases of CHICKEN POX, however the Ministry of Education has today issued a notice to schools and early childhood centres about an outbreak of measles, mostly in the Auckland region, but also 27 recent cases in Hawkes Bay.

Measles symptoms

Measles is a highly infectious disease and is more serious than many people realise. Symptoms include fever, rash, cough, red eyes and a runny nose, and then a rash which develops after about 3 days. Complications include middle ear infections, pneumonia, and, more rarely, encephalitis or brain inflammation, and about one in ten people need to be hospitalised.

The best measles prevention is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine which is free for all New Zealand children.

This this the link to the above MOE notice

www.minedu.govt.nz/HealthMeaslesUpdates

Irene