People in Bay of Plenty are being urged to make sure they are vaccinated against measles after one case was confirmed Mount Maunganui.
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Bay of Plenty medical officer Jim Miller said parents must ensure their children receive routine MMR vaccines at the age of 15 months and four years.
The vaccine was effective in protecting against measles, and completley free for anyone who needed it, Dr Miller said.
Those who have received both doses of the vaccine were 99 percent protected from the measles, he said.
Cases of the measles have also been confirmed in Auckland and Christchurch.
Measles facts:
- Measles is a highly infectious viral illness spread by contact with respiratory secretions through coughing and sneezing.
- People are infectious from five days before the onset of the rash to five days after the rash starts.
- Infected persons should stay in isolation - staying home from school or work - during this time.
- The best protection from measles is to have two MMR vaccinations. MMR is available from your family practice and is free to eligible persons.
- People are considered immune if they have received two doses of MMR vaccine, have had a measles illness previously, or were born before 1969.
- Anyone believing they have been exposed to measles or exhibiting symptoms, should not go to the ED or after hours' clinic or general practitioner. Instead, call the GP first.