An outbreak of measles in Golden Bay has prompted the following message from Nelson Marlborough Health. Please take the time to read the content of their letter addressed to all parents.

Dear Parents

Measles is now rare in New Zealand thanks to immunisation.

Measles still occurs, however, worldwide and on occasions measles can be very severe, for instance there was the tragedy of over 30 deaths from measles reported in Europe in 2017.

The purpose of this correspondence is to advise you that, unfortunately, there has been an outbreak of measles in Golden Bay.

However cases might be seen anywhere in the Nelson/Marlborough region.

I therefore advise vigilance regarding the disease.

Measles starts 7-18 days after you've been exposed. If you have measles, you'll get the following symptoms.

First symptoms

• A fever
  
• A cough
  
• A runny nose
  
• Sore and watery 'pink' eyes
  
• Sometimes small white spots on the back inner cheek of your mouth
  

Day 3-7 of illness

A blotchy rash which tends to start on your face, behind the ears, before moving over your head and down your body. The rash lasts for up to a week.

What to do if you or a family member has symptoms. If you detect any of these symptoms, see your family doctor or call Healthline on 0800 611 116, for advice as soon as possible.

It's important to call before visiting your doctor because measles is easily passed on from one person to another. Phoning ahead helps ensure steps are taken to avoid you spreading measles in the waiting room.

You should also stay away from work, school or public places, to help prevent putting other people at risk. This also applies if you or a family member aren't fully immunised and may have been in contact with someone with measles.  

Measles is a vaccine preventable disease. Therefore, I recommend that you check whether or not your children have been fully protected against measles by two doses of MMR. If you are unsure please check with your GP.  

I also note for adults that are not fully protected, MMR is also available free to adults born after 1st January 1969.

I recommend that anyone who is not protected co t their GP as soon as possible to be immunised.

Yours sincerely 

~ Dr Stephen Bridgman ~

Public Health Medicine Specialist/Clinical DirectorPublic Health Service, Nelson Marlborough HealthPhysical Address: 281 Queen Street, Richmond 7020, New ZealandPostal Address: POBox 64 7, Nelson 7040, New ZealandTel: 03 543 7929 (landline), 022 010 5583 (mobile) 

Email: Stephen.bridgman@nmdhb.govt.nz