Measles Outbreak at Unitec
Friday 03, September, 2010
Late yesterday afternoon Dr Lech Beltowski, Medical Officer with the Auckland Regional Public Health Service contacted Unitec to advise the Health and Safety officer that a student at Unitec had been diagnosed with measles and that anyone coming into contact with this student must be contacted and advised.
The student is studying Accounting and Finance and the Head of this Department has undertaken communication with Accounting and Finance Students via Blackboard to ensure that all students in the course are made aware.
However, it is important that all students at Unitec are aware of their own immune status. You will need to get your immune status checked if you are unsure (with a blood test) and stay away for 14 days if you are not immune. If anyone develops symptoms (detailed on the fact sheet below) they should isolate themselves and avoid contact with infants under the age of 15 months, anyone who is pregnant, immune compromised or who has not been immunised until 5 days after the onset of rash.
Measles is an acute viral disease that may have serious complications. In the past, measles infection was very common in childhood. Now, due to immunisation, measles infection is rare in Auckland, however it is still a serious illness and so all students and staff at Unitec are asked to be vigilant about their health at this time.
Download the Measles Information Sheet