Michael Baker

Several Pacific countries are already dealing with epidemics and some are taking extreme measures to try and halt the spread of the new coronavirus.  Audio

The Government is being told to take urgent steps to prevent the export of infectious diseases to the Pacific.

It follows a deadly epidemic of measles in Samoa that's killed 83 people since October… Audio

This afternoon the Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield and the Director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay explained the work that's happening to make sure New Zealand is prepared to… Audio

"Alert but not alarmed" - that's how the Health Minister is describing New Zealand's response to the coronavirus outbreak in China.

David Clark fronted to media on Thursday afternoon to outline how… Audio

A case of the deadly coronavirus has been diagnosed for the first time in the United States.

It's the first time a case of the virus has been found outside Asia and was detected in a passenger from… Audio

As passenger screening begins at three United States airports, confusion is growing over the exact numbers of people infected by a mystery virus emerging in China.

Airports in Los Angeles, San… Audio

Samoa was warned as early as March to immunise its population against measles. Audio

Coffins donated to Samoan measles victims as a public health expert says remembering grief is key to avoiding fatal complacency. Audio

A public health expert says the measles virus needs better management to limit the ongoing deadly spread in the Pacific region. Audio

Otago University epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker talks about the measles epidemic in Samoa originating in New Zealand. Audio

Public health experts say they're concerned Auckland's measles outbreak will soon become a nationwide problem.

The Ministry of Health is trying to contain an escalating number of cases in the city… Audio

Winter is well and truly here - and with that comes flu season. In Australia there's been more than 55,000 cases of the flu and 119 deaths so far - whilst here in New Zealand, three people have died… Audio

Medical experts are warning a drug resistant superbug that kills one-third of all infected patients will inevitably spread to New Zealand. It's a tough new strain of fungus called Candida auris, and… Audio

Medical experts are warning a drug resistant superbug that kills one-third of all infected patients will inevitably spread to New Zealand. A Professor of Public Health at Otago University, Michael… Audio

Egg Boy has been given an official warning from Australian Police for cracking an egg on the head of far-right Queensland politician Fraser Anning. But the Senator hasn't been charged over thumping… Audio

There's another e-coli outbreak. This time in Martinborough. There is a wider issue around the state of our public health and in a new book Sir David Skegg has awarded New Zealand a "D"or an "E" fail… Audio

A new study outlines the barriers to preventing rheumatic fever. Institutional Racism, inflexibility to when and how people get their shots, and the disconnect with youth are all part of the problem.