Pacific

Travellers warned to immunise against measles as cases increase

05:04 am on 12 March 2019

New Zealand's Ministry of Health is reminding travellers around the Asia Pacific region to make sure they are immunised against measles following outbreaks overseas.

Outbreaks have recently been reported in the Philippines as well as parts of Europe and since the beginning of this year New Zealand has seen an increase in cases particularly in the Waikato and Christchurch.

Last year in Samoa two children died after they received routine Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations and use of the vaccine was suspended for several months.

Last November Samoa's Health Ministry restarted MMR vaccinations and assured the public new safety measures would prevent past mistakes.

New Zealand's Deputy Director of Public Health Hariette Carr, spoke with Jenny Meyer about preventing measles in the current outbreak.

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