From the Ministry of Health
By 8th August 2011, 175 measles cases had been reported this year, including 19 who needed hospital treatment. Most cases were in the Auckland region, although 24 cases were reported in Hawke’s Bay.In the past week, 12 cases have been reported in the Waikato region, mainly around Te Awamutu.
Measles symptoms
Measles is a highly infectious disease and is more serious than many people realise. Symptoms include fever, cough, red eyes and a runny nose, and then a rash which develops after about three days. Complications can include middle ear infections, pneumonia, and, more rarely, encephalitis or brain inflammation. About one in ten people infected need to be hospitalised.