Measles in New Zealand (Update)

16 Jun 2014

Measles cases continue to be reported from New Zealand. An outbreak has occurred in Waikato, North Island, where 53 suspected cases are under investigation. A number of cases are among Fraser High School pupils.

An increase in measles cases was first reported in the North Island at the beginning of the year (2014) and by March, 61 cases had been reported. Of those, 43 were located in Auckland, 15 in the Bay of Plenty/Lakes district and 3 in Wellington. Twenty of the reported cases were among pupils at Westlake Boys' High School in Auckland

The Medical Officer is encouraging parents to ensure that children are protected against measles by immunisation.

Advice for Travellers

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-15 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months, while unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.