Measles Outbreak Wreaks Havoc In New Zealand: All About The Potentially Fatal Illness

The measles outbreak is wreaking havoc in New Zealand with over 1,000 confirmed cases. According to the New Zealand health ministry, a total of 1,051 people were affected by the potentially fatal viral disease between January 1 and September 5, 2019.

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious illness that causes coughing, rashes and fever. Although there are safe and effective vaccination for measles is available, some of the developed countries, including America, have seen a resurgence over the past few years.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of cases has increased many folds in the first three months of 2019 compared with the same time last year. In New Zealand, Auckland is the worst hit city with 877 confirmed cases.

RELATED

The government is running a measles vaccination program on large scale and has asked everyone aged 12 months to 50 years old to get vaccinated. The authorities have also asked people feeling sick to avoid going to offices, schools and public places to prevent putting others at risk.

What is measles? Symptoms and treatment of deadly illness

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes total-body skin rash and flu-like symptoms. Measles is rare illness in the United States thanks to widespread immunisation efforts but the fatal illness has spread to several areas in New Zealand.

Also called rubeola is caused by a virus, thus, there is no specific medical treatment for it. The symptoms of measles are cough, rhinorrhea, fever and rash. MMR vaccine is used as a preventive measure for the measles. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be fatal.
• The symptoms of measles are cough, rhinorrhea, fever and rash.
• Over 1,000 confirmed cases of Measles have been reproted so far.