Measles in New Zealand

14 Jul 2014

The measles outbreak in Waikato, North Island is ongoing. As of 8 July 2014, 101 cases have been recorded, of those, 53 have been laboratory confirmed; the remainder are close contacts of cases who have developed a clinically compatable illness. Approximately 80% of cases are between 10-20 years-of-age with 20% aged under 10 years.

Of the 101 cases, just 4 were fully immunised and 4 partially immunised. Around 70 suspected cases were excluded as measles.

Advice for Travellers

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-15 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months, while unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.