Auckland's measles outbreak is showing no signs of letting up, with the highly infectious disease now hitting the central suburbs hard.
The number of cases since May has jumped to 203, after 24 fresh cases were diagnosed in the past week.
The most recent surge hits the affluent inner city suburbs of Herne Bay, Ponsonby and Parnell hardest, with Richmond Road School reporting several cases.
Auckland's Medical Officer of Health, Dr Richard Hoskins, says rates of the contagious viral disease are the highest they've been in 14 years. He called on people to make sure they're vaccinated against it.
"We are urging people to ensure they are immunised as this is the best way for people to protect themselves against measles and is free to those who need it," Dr Hoskins said.
"By getting immunised you will not only be protecting yourself or your child you'll also be stopping this disease from spreading in our communities."
Most of the cases have been seen in babies, infants, children and teenagers, but tertiary institutions and work places had also reported cases.
Last week St John reported that at least one of its ambulance staff had been struck with the disease, issuing a letter urging its workers to cover up and scrub down ambulances thoroughly.
Measles symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, sore red eyes and white spots on the inside of the mouth, with a rash appearing several days later.
NZN