Measles outbreak update

Two further cases of measles have been confirmed over the long weekend, both in Wellington, as part of the ongoing national measles outbreak. This brings the current total number of known cases to 10, but we expect there to be more cases as the response continues.   

Of the 10 cases, one is linked to overseas travel, and the remaining nine are locally acquired.    

Seven of the nine locally acquired cases are linked to the 3 October high risk exposure event on the Bluebridge Ferry, and the risk of further measles cases, contacts and exposures across the country remains very high.  

Health NZ has also identified a large number of new contacts and locations of interest linked to these cases. We are continuing to use a variety of tools to contact people, such as bulk text messages, emails and phone calls as we work to ‘stamp out’ this outbreak. If you receive any of these communications from us, please follow the advice that’s provided to keep your loved ones and others in our communities safe.

This weekend we have also identified several hundred close contacts at Wellington College, and a number also at Wellington Girls’ College, following cases linked to the 3 October ferry crossing. With the schools’ support, we have sent communications out to inform and support staff, students and the wider school communities.  Public Health is working at pace to contact all identified individuals. Due to the volume of people involved, this process may not be completed today. Individuals are asked to follow the instructions provided and await direct contact. 

Health NZ also continues to publish locations of interest online as they are confirmed, and where we 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 our website for updates 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 and to contact Healthline or their 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) or call the Vaccination Helpline 0800 28 29 26.  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.