Doctor Warns of Measles Spread in Auckland Due to Housing Issues

A doctor in Otara, Auckland, is raising alarms about the spread of measles, attributing the rise in cases to overcrowded housing conditions that make children more susceptible to infection. As of now, there are six active cases of measles nationwide, with three reported in Auckland. According to Health New Zealand, the total number of confirmed cases since October 8 has reached 28.

Dr. Oruba Khalil, a general practitioner with nearly 30 years of experience, has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of this highly contagious disease. She recalls the situation in 2019, when her community was severely affected. “People with fever, whole families affected. We are seeing people at the carpark. Luckily, we have a big clinic—we are allocating the people,” she said.

Dr. Khalil emphasizes that the crowded living conditions increase the vulnerability of families to measles. Children in these environments face a higher risk of developing serious complications, such as pneumonia. “If the kids have measles and we are having the problems of housing and high rates of smoking, the kids can end up with pneumonia and lots of complications of measles,” she added.

To combat the spread, Dr. Khalil’s clinic, Otara GP and Urgent Care, has taken several proactive measures. They have begun sending text messages to all enrolled patients who have not yet received their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations. The MMR vaccine, administered in two doses after the age of 12 months, is known to protect about 99 percent of individuals from contracting measles.

In addition to regular appointments, the clinic is offering vaccinations during the evenings, making it more accessible for working families. An event is scheduled for the evening of December 12, 2023, aimed at raising awareness about measles while providing vaccinations alongside music, food, and activities.

Meanwhile, community health provider The Fono is also actively engaging with families to ensure children are vaccinated. Their nursing manager, Moana Manukia, reported that outreach teams have been going door-to-door to follow up with families of unvaccinated children. This organization serves approximately 10,000 patients across its five clinics.

Manukia noted the challenges faced in reaching families, as they often find that many are not home or have moved. Despite these setbacks, the outreach teams manage to administer about 30 MMR vaccinations each week, primarily to children under four years old. The organization has also been sending text messages to parents of patients under 18 who are not immunized against measles, though response rates have been low, with only 10 percent of parents reaching back out.

While vaccination coverage for children under two is relatively strong, Manukia indicated that rates are lower among teenagers, possibly due to some being vaccinated abroad without documented records in New Zealand.

As the situation unfolds, both Dr. Khalil and Manukia highlight the importance of increased awareness and accessibility to vaccinations to protect vulnerable communities from the spread of measles.