US Embassy warns American citizens of New Zealand's measles outbreak

Brian from New Lynn

The US Embassy and Consulate in New Zealand issued the advice for American travellers and residents on Wednesday. The Embassy recommended prospective American travellers to New Zealand to protect themselves against the disease by ensuring they are vaccinated with the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine before departing the US. "The New Zealand Ministry of Health is advising those with travel plans to Auckland to make sure every family member has been vaccinated against measles prior to commencing travel, keeping in mind that the vaccine takes two weeks to become effective," said the message. The warning also recommends US citizens travelling to or residing in New Zealand to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveller Enrollment Program [STEP] for the latest security updates.The measles virus is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. It is highly contagious and can remain contagious for up to two hours in the air or on surfaces. Symptoms of measles include a rash, high fever, cough, red, watery eyes and a runny nose. As of Wednesday, September 5 there have been 1051 confirmed measles cases across the country, 877 of which are in the Auckland region.
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