Fifth case of measles confirmed in Wairarapa
Photo:
AFP / nobeastsofierce / Science Photo Library
A fifth case of measles has been confirmed in Wairarapa.
The case [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/566666/fourth-case-of-measles-confirmed-in-wairarapa was linked to others associated with a family that recently returned from overseas, Health NZ confirmed.
It was possible there could be further linked cases to still be confirmed.
Dr Craig Thornley, medical officer of health, said the latest case had been isolating to prevent the spread of the disease.
He said there was no increased risk to the public or new locations of interest identified from the outbreak.
People who visited Masterton Pak n Save on the mornings of 1 and 3 July and Carterton Library on 3 July should still monitor for measles symptoms.
Health NZ asked locals to get themselves and their children immunised.
As of 14 July, 81.5 percent of children aged 1 to 5 years old in the Wairarapa were fully immunised against measles, while about 89 percent of those aged 6-18 were.
Health NZ this was still well short of the 95 percent needed for herd immunity to ensure protection for everyone against future outbreaks.
"With outbreaks happening in many popular travel destinations such as the US, Canada, the UK, Vietnam, Thailand and India, people who have travelled for the school holidays and aren't fully immunised with the MMR vaccine, risk bringing it back into the country," Thornley said.
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