By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
Scores of measles cases were reported during the past week in Auckland, New Zealand as health officials now report 778 confirmed cases through today.
Children under the age of 5, and those aged between 15-29, were most affected. Forty per cent of people who had contracted the illness had needed hospital treatment.
According to the New Zealand Herald, three children were hospitalized at Starship Children’s Hospital, including one baby in critical condition in the ICU.
Auckland Regional Public Health Service and the Ministry of Health are recommending that all one year old children in Counties Manukau, Auckland and Waitemata DHBs receive their first MMR early to protect them from measles. The 15 month immunizations, which include MMR, have been brought forward to age 12 months in this region.
Older children and adults aged up to 50 years who have no documented evidence of vaccination against measles are recommended to get vaccinated.
Nationally, the New Zealand Ministry of Health reports 937 measles cases to date.
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