Public health officials of Hawke's Bay have warned the residents against measles infection in the region but they have not declared it an outbreak until now. Medical Officer of Health, Caroline McElnay said that the school holidays are about to start so the parents are advised to take extra steps to stop the spread of measles in New Zealand or overseas.

She said, “If you can't remember if your child is fully immunized contact your family doctor before you travel. If your child has not had the free measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine consider getting them immunized”.

She has urged the parents not to send their children for school holiday programmes, sports tournaments or other holiday activities if they are not immunized. She further added that measles is a highly contagious disease and unimmunized kids are 90% more likely to get infected with measles as compared to those who are immunized.

Main symptoms of measles include runny nose, fever and sore eyes. They can further result in a red, blotchy rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Some of the health complications during measles include diarrhea, ear infections and, sever pneumonia and brain inflammation. People are advised to seek medical help in case they exhibit any of these symptoms.