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Measles and influenza outbreaks in South – what you need to know

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A second case of measles that has now been identified in the Southern district, and higher than usual levels of influenza in the community, has led to reminders to “stay home if you are sick, and call your GP or Healthline first if you need help”, says Southern DHB Medical Officer of Health Dr Marion Poore.

Measles

  • A second case of measles has been confirmed in the Southern district. The 39 year old man had been exposed to measles in Christchurch but became sick while visiting family in Dunedin. Contact tracing is now underway – this involves identifying contacts, assessing their risk of becoming ill with measles and providing appropriate advice is underway.

What you need to know:

  • People are not at risk if they have had two vaccinations for measles, or were born before 1969 or have had measles
  • People who may have been exposed to measles and have not been fully vaccinated are being asked to stay in isolation until the incubation period is over
  • On time vaccination with MMR for children at ages 15 months and 4 years is the best way to prevent measles. We encourage those aged 29 – 50 years to ensure they are fully vaccinated with two measles vaccinations. MMR is available free from your family health provider Public Health South's advice is to continue with the usual vaccination schedule at this time. There is no evidence to support Southern DHB promoting early vaccination for measles, as the vaccine is not always effective when given early and will result in children requiring an extra vaccination. The clinical situation in Canterbury is different with a significant number of confirmed cases of measles, which has resulted in their decision to bring forward the measles vaccination for young children.
  • If you are sick, or have been exposed to measles and are not vaccinated, please stay home to avoid risking spreading the disease to others
  • If you require medical attention, please call your GP first who will advise what to do. GPs will take precautions, such as attending to patients in their carparks if needed to prevent avoidable exposure to others.
  • Measles coverage at 28 Feb 2019 in the Southern district is 93% for children aged four years and 92% for those aged two years.

Advice for families travelling to Christchurch:

  • Consider if travel is essential
  • The 15 month MMR vaccination can be brought forward to 12 months, discuss with your GP.
  • Babies six to 11 months – discuss with your GP as your child will still need MMR vaccinations at 15 months and four years.

Influenza

Seasonal Influenza viruses (H3N2; H1N1) are currently circulating in Otago and Southland communities including among health care staff. This is much earlier in the year than the usual winter influenza season in July.  Influenza is very infectious and easily spread to other people especially in the first five days of illness. Influenza viruses can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.

What you need to know:

  • Influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract. Symptoms include feeling extremely unwell, a sudden high temperature, headache, general aches and pains, tiredness and a sore throat.
  • This year’s seasonal vaccine will be available by 1 April. The vaccine is a good match with the circulating strains, and we encourage people to take up this opportunity once it becomes available.

Avoid spreading the flu

To reduce the risk of spreading flu:

  • Wash your hands often with warm water and soap
  • Use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze
  • Bin used tissues as quickly as possible. Stay at home if you’re unwell, and call your GP practice firs
  • The flu vaccine is free for New Zealanders at high risk of complications - pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and people of any age with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease (including serious asthma), kidney disease and most cancers.

For advice about influenza immunisation visit www.fightflu.co.nz

For free health advice, call Healthline on 0800 611 116.