Measles Outbreak

Whāinga ako: Lesson Goals

To understand what measles is, how/why it’s resurging and how governments respond. To examine the rise of vaccine hesitancy (anti-vax) and how media/social media influence public opinion.

Mahi - Work

Measles outbreak at Wellington schools: 'It's scary'

Watch this video as a class.

Note to teacher: as an introduction to the lesson you could just start the video and ask students what they are talking about.

Mini media case-study

What is the purpose of this media? (5 purposes of media)
What is the media source emphasising? (is it risk, outbreak, personal story, expert commentary)
Who is speaking? (are they expert, layperson, person affected)
What tone is used (alarmist, factual, reassuring)
Are there missing voices or perspectives?

What do you know?

What do you know about the measles and the current outbreak?

Background & Key Facts

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. According to the Immunisation Advisory Centre in New Zealand, more than 15 cases out of 100 are hospitalised.
Measles had been eliminated in NZ (meaning it still existed elsewhere in the world but no cases for years)
In many places around the world there had not been a case for 20+ years
Possible complications: pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), long-term brain damage, miscarriage if pregnant.
The risk of a large outbreak in New Zealand is “very high” due to importation of cases and gaps in immunity.
One recent cluster: three confirmed cases in the Wairarapa region linked to overseas travel. They are said to have around 2000 people they have been in close contact with.