August 15, 2014
Measles outbreak reaches north
Northland GP Lance O’Sullivan is warning that tamariki in the region may be particularly vulnerable to a new outbreak of measles.
There have been a significant number of cases in Auckland and Waikato, and Dr O’Sullivan says the first case in the north has been linked to a child who had recently returned from the Waikato.
He says because Northland has a low rate of immunisation, health officials are dreading what could be a serious breakout.
As measles is a respiratory-related disease, the situation is compounded by overcrowded and uninsulated damp homes.
Dr O’Sullivan says if tamariki show any signs of sickness, whanau must get them checked immediately and strictly follow instructions, especially to do with isolating an infected child.
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