Three more measles cases
The number of measles cases in Canterbury has risen to 30. Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink said the number was continuing to rise with one other case under investigation.
The total number of measles cases across the country has increased from 47 on Thursday to 50 yesterday after two new cases in Canterbury and one in Auckland.
The latest Auckland case was a first-year student at the University of Auckland who attended law and business lectures last week where they may have spread the disease.
Auckland medical officer of health Dr William Rainger said the university was emailing information to those who were in the lecture and tutorial for ECON 151 on March 12 and the BUSINESS 101 lecture on March 14 to keep an eye out for symptoms.
Pink said there remained a risk of measles spreading when large groups congregated together.
“Measles is incredibly infectious. The only way to prevent its spread is immunisation,” he said.
“If you were born after 1969 and feel unwell with measles-like symptoms, or have never been vaccinated against measles, you should stay away from large gatherings as you will be at risk of catching measles.
“And if you think you may have been exposed to measles or have symptoms, please call your general practice first, 24/7. Please do not visit your general practice or use public transport as you may be infectious.”
With Canterbury residents last week racing to get the vaccine, another 27,000 doses arrived in the region last week.
Pink said that meant there was now enough to vaccinate everyone aged between 1 and 28 who had never been immunised.
Over time the vaccine would be made available to other groups such as those who had only received one dose.