NZ: Measles in Hokianga, Wellington and Taranaki

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/stories/2010/03/30/1247f90a0e01

Measles outbreak in Hokianga

Updated at 4:40pm on 30 March 2010

Northland Health is concerned at what it is describing as a large outbreak of measles.

It says there have been an estimated 30 cases of the disease in Hokianga in the last few weeks, and five cases have been confirmed in laboratory tests...

Also see:
http://tvnz.co.nz/health-news/measles-outbreak-in-northland-3440619

And http://www.3news.co.nz/Waihopai-sup...asles/tabid/419/articleID/148841/Default.aspx

Snip:

...Northland Health has reported that there are 30 cases in Hokianga and now one suspected case in Wellington.

One of the problems with the outbreak is the community do not believe in modern medicine and are refusing to have their children vaccinated against the scourge.

Health authorities told 3 News up to 50 children may not have protection against the virus.

One of Sam Land’s family members brought the measles over from India; Health Authorities are now trying to trace everyone who has been in contact with the measles carriers, but with the number of people who were at the Waihopai trial, containing the virus may be difficult.

3 News

 

[Shiloh]

Re: NZ: Measles outbreak in Hokianga

Re: NZ: Measles outbreak in Hokianga

Source: http://tvnz.co.nz/health-news/northland-measles-outbreak-hits-wellington-3441413

Northland measles outbreak hits Wellington
Published: 9:00AM Wednesday March 31, 2010
Source: Newstalk ZB

A measles outbreak in Northland has spread to Wellington.

Up to 50 people in Northland are suspected of the disease in the region's biggest outbreak in at least 20 years.

Northland medical officer of health Dr Jonathan Jarman says measles has been established in a small, isolated, Pakeha community in the Hokianga, but won't specify where and possibly another in Wellington after a family with measles visited people in the capital...

 

[Shiloh]

Re: NZ: Measles outbreak in Hokianga and Wellington

Re: NZ: Measles outbreak in Hokianga and Wellington

Source: http://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/un-doctor...es-outbreak-–-northland-situation-update.aspx


Un-edited statements from the health sector and beyond
Hokianga Measles Outbreak ? Northland situation update
Northland District Health Board Wednesday 31 March 2010, 11:52am

Media release from Northland District Health Board

Hokianga Measles Outbreak - Northland situation update

Northland District Health Board urges Northlanders to check that their family members are protected from Measles. This follows the outbreak of cases of measles in the region.

At this stage the outbreak is confined to the family group identified to health authorities and their close associates. A possible case in Wellington linked to this outbreak is still not confirmed.

As at 31 March - the number of confirmed and probable cases of measles in Northland:

? 5 laboratory confirmed cases
? 23 clinically compatible cases who are linked to the above confirmed cases

Of those affected 86% are under the age of 20 years.

The Hokianga community has low immunisation rates; therefore there is a high risk that measles may have spread beyond this group to other communities in Northland and other parts of New Zealand.

This outbreak underscores once again the importance of immunisation in preventing this disease.

The Ministry of Health is asking all general practitioners to be alert to possible measles cases and notify any suspected cases to their local Medical Officer of Health. Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is available free to all children aged from 15 months and four years of age, and any adult under the age of 40 who wants it.

Northland general practitioners and practice nurses have been asked to offer MMR vaccination to all unvaccinated children from the age of 12 months because of the risk of an large outbreak in Northland.

It is estimated that 90 to 95 per cent of people are protected from measles once they have had both doses.

Measles has the potential to make children very sick for one to two weeks, with the symptoms including high fever, hacking cough, red eyes, running nose and a rash. A number of rash-causing illnesses can appear to be very similar to measles including meningococcal disease.

Local health provider, Hokianga Health, is in regular contact with Dr Jarman advising him of any situation developments in the area, and is continuing to work with the family.

Dr Jarman urges caregivers to check that their children have been vaccinated against measles.

"One measles injection is good but two are better - two measles injections give 90-95% protection from measles."

Because measles is a severe illness it is also important for caregivers to seek medical advice if their children become sick.

Measles starts like a flu-like illness but it steadily gets worse with a high fever and cough. The characteristic rash appears after several days. It is extremely infectious, so please phone ahead to your doctor to ensure the safety of other patients and surgery staff.

"If your child is sick seek advice from your doctor or practice nurse, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116".

Symptoms of Measles:
? High Fever
? Hacking Cough
? Red Eyes
? Running Nose
? Rash
? Initially presents like a 'cold' but then gets worse.
? Rash appears 3-4 days after initial symptoms
? Ear infections, diarrhoea, and/or pneumonia are also possible.
? Most children take one to two weeks to recover

More information about immunisation and the National Immunisation Schedule is available at www.moh.govt.nz/immuniation.

The Immunisation Advisory Centre offers independent advice about immunisation through its toll-free line 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863) and at its website.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: NZ: Measles outbreak in Hokianga and Wellington

Re: NZ: Measles outbreak in Hokianga and Wellington

Source: http://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/un-doctor...further-cases-of-measles-in-the-hokianga.aspx

No further cases of Measles in the Hokianga
Media release from Northland District Health BoardTuesday 06 April 2010, 3:05pm

Media release from Northland District Health Board

No further cases of Measles in the Hokianga.

Northland District Health Board advise no increase in the number of confirmed cases of measles in the Northland region.

Public health officials continue to monitor the situation working with local health provider Hokianga Health, who has boosted efforts to contact parents of unvaccinated children.

Supported by Northland DHB public health nurses, Hokianga Health have increased their immunisation outreach clinics for parents who wish to immunise their child against a number of childhood illnesses such as measles.

Free of charge, the clinics are being scheduled to meet parent demand, so book your appointment today:

The next Hokianga outreach clinics which are open 9.00am to 4.00pm are on:

o Tuesday 6 April: Takehe, Rawene, Kohukohu, Broadwood and Horeke
o Wednesday 7 April: Omapere, Mangamuka and Panguru

If parents are concerned they have missed their clinic appointment or need further information they should contact Lyn Foster at Hokianga Health on mobile 021-457712.

Immunisation is also available to adults born after 1969, who do not have immunity, contact Lyn Foster for further information.

Northland DHB Medical Officer of Health Dr Loek Henneveld is urging parents to keep a close eye on their childrens health, "Initally measles will fool you into thinking it's a bad cold or the flu, the rash doesn't appear for days, if in doubt call your doctor, especially if your child is not vaccinated"...

 

[Shiloh]

Re: NZ: Measles in Hokianga, Wellington and Taranaki

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/3588321/Parents-put-on-measles-alert

Parents put on measles alert
By KIRSTY JOHNSTON - Taranaki Daily News
Last updated 05:00 16/04/2010


Health officials are warning parents to keep alert after Taranaki's first measles case since 2007 was confirmed yesterday.

A South Taranaki child has been diagnosed with the disease...

 

[Shiloh]

Re: NZ: Measles in Hokianga, Wellington and Taranaki

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/northland/local-news/northern-news/3600412/Measles-alert-remains

Measles alert remains
RICHARD EDMONDSON - Northern News
Last updated 05:00 21/04/2010

A MEASLES outbreak in the Hokianga is still confined to an isolated family but health authorities fear it will spread to the wider community.

Suspected or confirmed measles cases in the area numbered 31 last Wednesday, one more than when the Northland District Health Board reported the outbreak on March 30.

Medical officer of health Dr Jonathan Jarman says the board hasn't found any evidence the measles virus has spread beyond an extended family group.

Northland medical practitioners are aware of the outbreak and are advising the board of possible cases, he says...