The number of confirmed measles cases in Auckland has risen to 47.
Ministry of Health officials fear measles could become established in the country again. Photo: 123rf.com
The Auckland Regional Public Health Service figures show there have been seven new cases of the disease confirmed in the past four days.
The Ministry of Health said more than 110 cases have been confirmed throughout the country so far this year.
It said the number of cases globally increased by 300 percent in the first three months of 2019.
New Zealand eliminated endemic measles in 2012, meaning all cases reported here since then have come from people bringing the disease in from overseas.
The Ministry said while local health authorities were working hard to contain the disease, it feared measles might become established in the country again.
People who are travelling overseas are being urged to get immunised against measles before they go.
Meanwhile, a second measles case has been confirmed in Wellington after a teenager was admitted to hospital last weekend with the disease.
Regional Public Health Wellington said both the people infected are linked to cases in Bay of Plenty.
