There's been a second case of the measles in Christchurch, after a child came into contact with an infected man in a GP's waiting room.
Photo: vetdoctor/123RF
Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Alistair Humphrey said the 11-year-old caught the measles off a 30-year-old man who had contracted the virus overseas.
The child attended two days of school, a church service, ate in a restaurant and played in a popular inner-city playground before they were diagnosed, Dr Humphrey said.
"Anyone who was at that church service or at the Margaret Mahy Playground or Nando's in Sydenham after 5pm on Waitangi Day is potentially at risk.
"If you fall into that category and feel unwell, our advice is for you to stay at home and call your GP for medical advice. Staying at home is important as you may be contagious."
DHB staff were now working to contain any potential spread, Dr Humphrey said.
These were the first two cases of measles in Canterbury since May 2017 and the re-emergence of the virus was a timely reminder to everyone in the community to ensure that they were fully immunised, he said.
"The scheduled vaccinations are free from your general practice and some pharmacies. Measles is a very serious illness and we need to work together to ensure the South Island returns to its measles-free status," he said.
