Increased National Risk of Measles

Increased National Risk of Measles

Kia ora  Parents and Caregivers,

You have likely seen on the news that measils is occuring in different parts of the country and this is of significant concern.  As of this morning there are no known cases in Christchurch, however, this could change at any time. 

The ministries of Education and Health have asked schools to pass on the following messages to school communities. Please take the time to read these.

Guidance following increased national risk of measles

Health New Zealand is alerting schools to an escalating risk of measles as it responds to a measles outbreak following confirmation of 17 new cases of measles since 20 October. 

This escalating risk is a concern, especially for education settings where measles can spread rapidly. 

Measles is highly contagious and serious – about one in three people may need hospital care. It spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.  

• Measles is circulating and is very contagious. There is now measles in Northland, Auckland, Manawatu, Nelson and Wellington, and we expect further cases across New Zealand.
• Watch out for symptoms – fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes, and a blotchy rash:

Measles – Health New Zealand 

• Anyone with measles symptoms must stay at home and should seek urgent advice by ringing their doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116. 
• Anyone who is closely exposed to a measles case must stay at home. Heath New Zealand will provide individuals with advice on a case-by-case basis (including when they can leave quarantine at home).
• Health New Zealand is actively working with the schools that currently have measles cases.
• People are considered immune to measles after having two doses of a measles vaccine from 12 months or older, or if you have had measles before. For more information on measles immunity visit:

Measles immunity – Health New Zealand

• In New Zealand, our measles immunisation rates are too low to prevent outbreaks from happening when measles is circulating in our communities. Our low immunisation rates contribute to this lack of community protection.  
• Families and whānau are encouraged to check their own and their child/childrens’ immunisation status through My Health Record:

My Health Record – Health New Zealand 

• Anyone born between 1969 and 2004 may have only received one vaccine dose and might not be fully protected. It’s safe to get extra doses. A free vaccine can be booked online or via the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26.

Book my vaccine – Health New Zealand

Regards

Alistair McKinnon
Principal
Emmanuel Christian School