A vaccinologist says New Zealand risks losing its measles-elimination status, as the outbreak starts to get out of control.

A recent spike in infections has tipped the total cases this year into record numbers, making it the worst outbreak since 1997.

Dr Helen Petousis-Harris says as the disease makes a global comeback, the measles-elimination status becomes more and more precious.

She told Mike Hosking measles elimination was once a badge of honour, but as more countries achieve the status, not having it becomes like a black mark.

The UK last night lost its measles-elimination status, after achieving it in 2017.

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