Measles outbreak in Auckland: the total increases to 189 after 25 new cases in one week

Six other Aucklanders contracted measles in one day, bringing the total number of cases in the region to 189 this year.

There were 25 new cases this week alone, including 164 on Monday.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service announced the new cases Friday afternoon.

The region is experiencing an epidemic of highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease.

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So far this year, at least 280 New Zealanders have been diagnosed with measles, data collected by ESR showed.

Auckland saw the vast majority of cases – accounting for about 67% of all cases.

Waitematā DHB (North and West Auckland) has repeatedly recorded the highest number of cases in the region, but has been overtaken by counties in Manukau DHB (South Auckland).

Manukau DHB counties have seen an increase in the number of cases over the last five weeks and now have the highest number of cases in the country this year.

The news comes after ARPHS announced that a person with measles had flown out of Air New Zealand to fly from Auckland to New Plymouth over the weekend.

Measles is almost completely preventable with two doses of MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella).

After one dose, 95% of people are protected against measles. After two doses, more than 99% are protected.

About 1 in 10 people with measles require treatment at the hospital and 30% of cases lead to complications.

These include ear infections that can lead to permanent hearing loss, diarrhea, pneumonia, seizures and, in rare cases, swelling of the brain.

Fever, cough, runny nose and sore red eyes are the symptoms of measles.

After three or four days, a rash appears on the face and then spreads to the body.

For more information, call Healthline at 0800 611 116 or visit the websites of the ARPHS or the Ministry of Health.