Symptoms
Prodrome, can include:
- fever (above 38°C)
- cough
- coryza
- conjunctivitis
Day 3 to 7 of illness
A generalised maculopapular rash, starting on the head and neck and then spreading to the rest of the body.
Notify public health immediately
Notify the Medical Officer of Health as soon as you suspect measles – do not wait for a laboratory confirmation.
Prevent transmission
Measles patients are infectious from four days before the rash appears until four days after the rash appears (counting the day of rash onset as day 0).
Implement Infection Prevention and Control measures, for example:
- identify suitable triage and isolation areas for suspect measles cases
- allow only immune staff to have contact with the patient
- use appropriate personal protective equipment
Be prepared for suspected measles cases who may not have called ahead, for example, by placing signs, hand gels and surgical masks at waiting room entrances or reception desks.
Promote immunisation
With active measles cases increasing around the world, and falling vaccination rates, Aotearoa New Zealand is at very high risk of a measles outbreak.
Not enough people living in New Zealand are immunised against measles – just 1 case could start an outbreak. We need at least 95% of people to be immunised to prevent this.
Immunisation is the protection against measles. It’s more important than ever for people to check they are protected.
For resources and information about measles, please go to the original webpage. Translations in other languages and alternate formats also available.
Click here to read more at the original web page at www.tewhatuora.govt.nz