Public Health South (PHS) is advising schools and Early Childhood Education Centres that there is currently a measles outbreak in the Southern District.

Since 22nd August, five cases of measles have been confirmed in this region and the disease is now likely to be spreading in the wider community.

The number of cases may seem relatively small in comparison with the population, but one person with measles can infect many others. So far, PHS has contacted many people as part of this outbreak investigation. Once exposed, it takes 10-14 days to develop the symptoms of measles. People are not yet infectious over this time.

Measles is a serious and highly infectious viral disease that causes fever, cough, sore red eyes and a rash. Measles can make children and adults very sick and can cause complications in many people, some of which are severe and lifelong.

People with measles can be infectious even before they start feeling unwell. While almost all people will make a complete recovery, it can lead to hospitalisation and in rare cases, death.

Immunisation against measles with two doses of MMR vaccine is the best protection and is free for all eligible people. With schools being back in session, we need your help to prevent further transmission of the measles virus.

Recommendations:

• Encourage unimmunised children/students to get immunised as soon as possible as per the Immunisation Schedule (MMR at 15 months and 4 years old).
• Keep any children/students or staff who are unwell away from school.
• If your school is planning on visiting Queenstown and/or going skiing in the near future, please ensure your students and parents are protected. Children/parents who are unvaccinated should not travel.

Our recommendations will help protect people who are at risk.

For more information relating to measles, please refer to the:

• Ministry of Health’s website
  https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/measles