By NewsDesk   @bactiman63

Officials with the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) report the number of measles confirmed has now reached 60 to date in 2019.

Auckland
Image/Barni1 via pixabay

Medical Officer of Health Dr William Rainger says there have now been measles cases in every part of the city, but ARPHS has seen more than half of cases come from West Auckland.

“Measles spreads very easily through households if family members are not vaccinated. The early cases were in extended families in West Auckland, so the illness has been passed on for longer in this area, amongst groups more likely to catch it, “Dr Rainger says.

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ARPHS has been notified of cases throughout in other parts of West Auckland and the region, with central Auckland the next most affected area.

Half of the cases required hospitalization. “We know there is concern amongst parents of babies under 15 months who are too young for their first MMR vaccine. Parents can make sure that everyone at home or who visits is vaccinated, and consider avoid large gatherings and events, especially if these are indoors,” Dr Rainger says.

Across New Zealand, 142 measles cases have been reported, 92 percent of the cases were unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.

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Two doses of the measles vaccine provides the most effective protection for yourself, your family and the wider community. After one dose of the MMR vaccine, about 95% of people are protected from measles. After two doses, more than 99% people are protected.

Vaccination is particularly important if you are planning to travel anywhere overseas – to protect yourself and to help prevent outbreaks in New Zealand.