28 Jan 2014

24 cases of measles reported

3:42 pm on 28 January 2014

Twenty-four confirmed cases of measles have been confirmed nationwide in the last month.

The latest case in Auckland has prompted the regional health service to warn a church congregation to isolate themselves at home for a week if they have symptoms.

Sixteen cases, of which 13 are in Turangi and Taupo, arose after a hip-hop dance competition in Sydney in December last year.

The other cases have been people travelling or returning to New Zealand from abroad.

There are currently measles outbreaks overseas, including in Australia, the Philippines and Indonesia.

The public health service recommends anyone who attended the Victory Christian Church in Freemans' Bay, Auckland on Sunday, 19 January and who is not immunised to stay at home if they develop symptoms before next Monday.