A significant outbreak of measles in Christchurch is continuing to spread. The incident started at the beginning of July when 4 students at a local high school were diagnosed with the disease. Currently, there are 21 confirmed cases of measles in Christchurch, and the possibility of its spread to other schools and a childcare centre is under investigation. Healthcare officials are also investigating the possibility that the outbreak may have been caused by a failed vaccine.
Measles, a highly infectious viral infection, is characterised by a runny nose, coughing, red eyes, fever and a spreading rash. It can also become far more severe, causing lung infections, pneumonia and even death.
News coverage:
The Press in Stuff National: Failure of vaccine suspected
NZPA in The NZ Herald: Measles outbreak on rise in Christchurch
The Press: Spread of virus to preschool suspected
