As you will be aware from the recent media coverage the number of measles cases in Auckland has risen and cases continue to spread. The information in this article has been provided by the Ministry of Education and circulated in all Auckland schools.

There are currently measles outbreaks happening across the world, including here in New Zealand. We have had eighteen cases this year in Auckland.

Measles is a serious disease and symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, cough and sore red eyes, followed by a rash starting behind the ears and spreading to the body a few days later. One in 10 people with measles need hospital treatment and the most serious cases can result in deafness or swelling of the brain.

If you are concerned that your child may be showing signs of this serious illness, please keep them home from school and call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116. It’s important to call first because measles is highly infectious and could infect others in the waiting room.

Students showing signs of illness should also be kept home from activities involving large groups of people such as school camps, sports events and performance festivals.

For more information about measles, what to look for and how to protect your child and/or yourself, please visit:

www.arphs.health.nz/public-health-topics/disease-and-illness/measles/

www.arphs.health.nz/news/measles-faqs/

www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/measles