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Health New Zealand is advising New Zealanders to stay alert for measles symptoms with 13 cases confirmed, and Auckland Grammar told year 9 and 10 students to stay home last week after a student attended while infectious. Other cases have been reported in Northland, Auckland, Manawatū and Nelson, linked to a Bluebridge ferry crossing from Picton to Wellington on October 3.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious illness. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes and a rash that spreads from the face down the body.
As measles has a 21 day incubation period, public health specialist Dr Sharon Sime urges people who feel unwell to stay home and avoid travel. “It’s likely there will be more cases in the community yet to be reported,” she says.
Health NZ advises anyone unsure of their immunity to check at info.health.nz/measles-immunity or phone Healthline on 0800 611 116. Two doses of the free MMR vaccine provide 99 per cent protection.
Health NZ publishes locations of interest online as they are confirmed, and where they are unable to contact everyone who may have been exposed to a measles case. If anyone believes they were at any of these locations on the relevant dates and times, please check the Health NZ website for updates and follow the advice provided for close and casual contacts.
Additionally, if anyone at these locations subsequently develops measles symptoms (even if they have resolved), they should contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 urgently for advice.
