By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
Auckland Regional Public Health Service has reported 305 measles cases through Aug. 2, while nationally more than 400 cases have been seen, according to ESR surveillance.
The number of measles cases in the city have been rising quickly lately seeing an average of 8 cases daily. The disease surfaced in Auckland in late March and has since been worst felt in South Auckland.
Nationally, of the 407 reported cases, 161 required hospitalization. 253 of the cases were not vaccinated, 17 partially vaccinated, 106 with unknown status and 31 fully vaccinated.
Measles and SSPE: Progressive, disabling, and fatal
Measles symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. It can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Measles infection in a pregnant woman can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or a low-birth-weight baby. Measles is easily spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.
How contagious is measles? Answer: Very
