Health New Zealand is reminding New Zealanders to take precautions when travelling overseas, following a rise in measles and dengue fever cases returning to New Zealand.
Measles
With measles outbreaks happening in many popular destinations, including South and Southeast Asia, recent cases show that those who aren’t fully protected are at high risk of catching measles and bringing it back to New Zealand.
Public Health Medicine Specialist Dr Matthew Reid says international travel is often how measles makes it into the community and New Zealanders should take steps to protect themselves before travelling overseas.
“Measles is our most contagious disease and can make adults and children very sick. The best protection against measles is two doses of the MMR vaccine,” Dr Reid says.
“We are urging anyone who is travelling overseas to ensure that the whole family is fully protected against measles before they set off.”
The MMR vaccine is free for everyone under the age of 18 years old. For those over 18, the vaccine is free if you’re eligible for free healthcare in New Zealand. The vaccine is safe and very effective. After two doses 99% of people are protected from measles.
Mosquito-borne diseases
It is also a timely reminder that mosquito-borne diseases are circulating in several Pacific countries, including the Cook Islands and Samoa.
Dr Reid says travellers should take precautions to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes, which can carry viruses such as dengue fever and zika.
“New Zealand has seen a significant number of travellers returning with dengue fever this year, so we are urging anyone who is travelling to the Pacific to take precautions against mosquito-borne viruses,” Dr Reid says.
“If you are travelling outside New Zealand to countries affected by these diseases, you can protect yourself by wearing protective clothing, using mosquito repellent with DEET, and staying or sleeping in well screened locations.”
For more information about measles and dengue fever visit: www.healthnz.govt.nz