With a fourth connected measles case confirmed in the Wairarapa today with links to overseas travel, locals are urged to get immunised to protect against the highly infectious illness.

National Public Health Service (NPHS) Medical Officer of Health, Dr Craig Thornley, says the fourth confirmed measles case today is from the same group as the three previously confirmed cases, who had recently travelled overseas.

“The latest case had already been isolating to help prevent any spread, with all four cases receiving appropriate care and support,” Dr Thornley says.

“We are still asking anyone who may have visited the Masterton Pak n Save and the Carterton Library on the dates and times already published (external link) to continue to monitor for measles symptoms, such as a high fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes or a rash that spreads down the body.

“We strongly encourage any locals who aren’t immunised, or who haven’t previously had measles before (so are therefore not immune), to make the most of the vaccination services available in our community to ensure they and their loved ones are fully protected.

“This includes anyone who may be planning to head overseas in the near future, given there are outbreaks happening in many popular travel destinations such as the US, Canada, the UK, Vietnam, Thailand and India. 

“Similarly, anyone who has recently returned from an overseas trip, should be watchful for measles symptoms,” Dr Thornley says.

“The latest case is a timely reminder that it’s still incredibly important for anyone across the country – including non-immune children and adults – to be fully protected against measles by having two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine after 12 months of age.

Dr Thornley says there are a number of vaccinating pharmacies across the Wairarapa, which are listed on the Healthpoint website (external link). A free drop-in clinic at Masterton Intermediate School Dental Clinic is also running every Thursday from 3pm to 6pm.