Measles outbreak update

Health New Zealand is reporting one new case of measles today, in the Wellington region, as part of the ongoing national measles outbreak.  

This brings the current total number of known cases to 11, but we expect there to be more cases as the response continues.    

Of the 11 cases, one is linked to overseas travel, and the remaining 10 are locally acquired. Seven of the 10 locally acquired cases travelled on the Bluebridge ferry on 3 October, which is considered a high-risk exposure event. 

The risk of further measles cases, contacts and exposures across the country remains very high.

Locations of interest

Health NZ 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. Please refer to our website here:

Measles: Locations of interest in Aotearoa New Zealand - Health NZ (external link) 

Additionally, if anyone at these locations subsequently develops measles symptoms (even if they have resolved), contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 urgently for advice.   

Quarantine requirements

As we work to stop the spread of measles, where appropriate, we may ask some close contacts to stay home in quarantine as a precaution until public health teams can confirm their immunity. Our teams will also provide advice on when the quarantine needs to start and end, which will depend on when they were exposed.  

Confirming a person’s immunity requires evidence of having received two measles vaccinations or laboratory evidence of previous infection or immunity.  

When there are large exposure events, such as exposures at schools involving hundreds of contacts, this takes time to confirm. We appreciate people’s patience as we work through this. 

Once a person’s immunity is confirmed, they can be released from quarantine. 

Stay home if unwell 

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.  

If you suspect you may have measles, please phone ahead before visiting your doctor, 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.   

See here for more information about measles, including symptoms:

Measles immunity - Health NZ (external link)

Vaccination is the best protection

Getting two doses of the MMR vaccine after 12 months of age protects 99% of people from measles and is free for most people. 

Visit Book a vaccine for a list of vaccination sites in your area:

Book a vaccine - Health NZ (external link)