New Zealand
In New Zealand, health officials have confirmed 72 measles cases since the beginning of the year, including 23 that required hospitalization.
More than half the cases were reported from Canterbury, while nearly two out of 10 cases were from Waikato.
The majority of cases have occurred in children, adolescents and young adults aged under 29 years.
Australia
Australian officials have reported 83 measles cases through Apr. 5. This is compared to 103 and 81 cases in all of 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Nationally, vaccination rates (receiving two doses of the vaccine) for children under 2 years of age are below the 95 percent threshold (93.5 percent).
In addition, Health Minister Greg Hunt warned that due to changing vaccine schedules for Australians born between 1966 and 1994, some people may have received only one dose of vaccine, instead of two, making them more susceptible to infection.
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