Three more cases of measles detected in Wairarapa and Manawatū, bringing total to eight
Photo:
123rf
Another three cases of measles have been detected in the lower North Island, taking
the latest outbreak to eight
.
Two of the latest cases in Wairarapa and one in Manawatū, were connected to the others in Wairarapa and stemmed from overseas travel, Health NZ said.
The patients had been in quarantine, however, it was believed one person may have been briefly infectious beforehand.
Health NZ had identified six new locations in Feilding that the potentially infectious person visited last Friday, Medical Officer of Health Craig Thornley said.
The risk to the public was considered low, because the visits were brief, he said.
"We are however advising anyone who may have visited the Feilding locations at the same times as the case to monitor themselves for symptoms, such as a high fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes or a rash that spreads down the body."
The new locations of interest are:
"If anyone is concerned, they may have symptoms, or needs advice, they should contact their GP or usual healthcare provider or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free support and advice 24/7," Thornley said.
Measles symptoms usually start within 10 to 14 days after being first exposed to the virus, but can start anytime between seven to 21 days.
The rash develops three to four days after the other symptoms and appears as pink or red spots or bumps which start on the face before moving down the rest of the body. The rash is not usually itchy, but can last for a week or more.
Thornley said the best protection against measles was vaccination.
"The best form of protection against measles is to get vaccinated with two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine after 12 months of age, which is safe and effective for 99 per cent of people."
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