Two further cases of measles have been confirmed today as part of an escalating measles response - one in Taranaki and one in Wellington. This brings the current total number of known cases to eight, but more cases are likely as the response continues.  

A number of the current cases are linked to the 3 October exposure event on the Bluebridge Ferry, but the risk of further cases, contacts and exposures across the country remains very high. 

A growing number of new locations of interest are also continuing to be added and published as investigations continue. If anyone believes they were at any of these locations on the relevant dates and times, please check our website and follow the advice provided for close and casual contacts: Measles: Locations of interest in Aotearoa New Zealand  (external link)

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. 

Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious and potentially long-term health problems. People with measles often feel very unwell, but you may be contagious even before you get any symptoms. 

Measles symptoms include: 

  • an illness that begins with high fever (over 38 C), cough, runny nose, and sore red eyes (conjunctivitis) 
  • a rash, beginning on the face and gradually spreading down the body to the arms and legs. The rash lasts for up to one week. 

We strongly encourage anyone who is feeling unwell to stay at home over the long weekend, and to contact Healthline or a healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of measles, even if you have not been at one of the known locations of interest. 

People can check their immunity status by visiting info.health.nz/measles-immunity(external link) (external link) or call the Vaccination Helpline 0800 28 29 26. The Helpline is available from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays). Interpreter services and NZ Relay support are also available. 

If you suspect you may have measles, please phone ahead before visiting your doctor, or your Hauora Māori Provider or Pacific health provider so they can take precautions to prevent measles spreading.  

You can call Healthline for free anytime on 0800 611 116 for information and advice. 

Quick facts on current case numbers: 

Measles cases by region as of Friday 24 October 5pm 

Northland Te Tai Tokerau  1 
Auckland  2 
Bay of Plenty  0 
Waikato  0 
Taranaki  1* 
Manawatu  2 
Wellington  1* 
Nelson 1 
Marlborough 0
Canterbury  0 
Southern  0 

*Indicates change in the past 24 hours 

Vaccine information

  • Getting two doses of the MMR vaccine after 12 months of age protects 99% of people from measles. 
  • The MMR vaccine is free in New Zealand for anyone aged under 18, and for people over 18 who are eligible for free healthcare. 
  • You can book a vaccination appointment with a pharmacy, your doctor, nurse, or Hauora Māori or Pacific health provider. 
  • Visit info.health.nz/bookavaccine (external link) for a list of vaccination sites in your area. 

For more information about MMR vaccination visit: info.health.nz/MeaslesVaccine (external link)