Wellington, Aug 4 NZPA - The spread of measles in Auckland region is a risk for unimmunised children, the Auckland Public Health Service (ARPHS) warned today.

As the number of measles contacts rise, ARPHS clinical director Julia Peters advises parents to get their children immunised now.

"Measles is a highly infectious and potentially serious disease," said Dr Peters

"Even minimal contact with a measles case can be a risk for anyone who is not immune and we are particularly concerned about any child under five who has not been immunised."

She said that two recent measles cases had generated up to 175 contacts, both adults and children, in waiting rooms and health centres.

"They have required follow up by ARPHS to check on their immune status. Some contacts have been advised to stay away from preschool, school or work. For every measles case up to 13 other people could become infected with measles," Dr Peters said.

Immunisation was the only effective way to protect against measles, she said.

"It's never too late to catch up with immunisations."

Dr Peters said immunisation rates for measles were low in the Auckland region with Maori and Pacific children particularly at risk.

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