1 Apr 2010

More hospitalisations possible in measles outbreak

6:58 am on 1 April 2010

The Health Ministry says it is possible further members of a large family affected by a measles outbreak in Northland may need to be hospitalised.

The Land family, of Whirinaki, are known for their self-sufficiency and opposition to immunisation.

There are 50 unvaccinated children in the family and an estimated 30 cases so far. One child was hospitalised last week.

The ministry's chief adviser for population health, John Holmes, says the virus is one of the most infectious.

Dr Holmes says opposition to immunisation is respected but it is important those who are sick do not spread the illness.