The number of measles cases throughout New Zealand continues to rise with another three people infected in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes District today.
Each of the three new cases is a resident of the Western Bay of Plenty, one of whom is known to have had contact with a previous case, Toi Te Ora Public Health said in a statement today.
"Our team is working to identify people who may have been in contact with each case," Medical Officer of Health Dr Phil Shoemack said.
He said it was important for everyone throughout the country to remain vigilant and look for signs and symptoms of measles.
He recommended people who believed someone in their family or whānau could have have measles stay at home and phone a doctor or Healthline first.
The first early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, sore red eyes and cough, followed a few days later by a rash usually starting on the face before moving down the body.
"Measles is one of the most infectious viruses, so it is important that we try to limit the spread," Dr Shoemack said.
Including the new three cases and two people who were also confirmed with measles in Taupō yesterday, the total number of cases in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes Districts is 17 since the start of April.
Yesterday, it was also revealed another Aucklander had contracted measles, meaning 34 people are infected in the city.
In Christchurch, 39 people have the virus.
The Healthline number is 0800 611 116.
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