Wellington, Aug 6 NZPA - Two new cases of the measles in different Auckland schools has prompted the public health service to urge parents check their children's immunisations are current.

Both Diocesan School for Girls in Epsom and Vauxhall Primary School in Devonport have reported one confirmed measles case.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) clinical director Julia Peters said new measles cases had been expected because the disease was very infectious.

"(It) can have serious complications we are urging parents to check their children's measles immunisations are up-to-date.

"Any child aged 12 months to 12 years who has not received one measles immunisation needs to receive it as soon as possible."

Even casual contact with a measles could pose a risk for those not immune, Dr Peters said.

ARPHS advised that unimmunised people who had been in contact with those who had contracted the virus needed to stay away from school until the risk of developing measles had passed.

Immunisation was the only effective way to protect against measles.

"We advise parents to immunise children on time but remember it's never too late to catch up with immunisations," Dr Peters said.

Any parents unsure about their children's record could check with their GP or practice nurse who would arrange for any catch-ups or necessary immunisations.

Measles spreads easily through the air, especially from coughing and sneezing. Pneumonia and ear infections were common symptoms of measles and could lead to other potentially fatal complications.

Symptoms included a fever, runny nose, cough and sore, red eyes. After a few days a red rash will appear on the face and will move to the rest of the body.

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