A new case of measles has been confirmed in Auckland. While the case is not linked to the recent cases in Northland and Queenstown – all of these cases to date share links to recent overseas travel in countries experiencing widespread outbreaks.

The National Public Health Service (NPHS) is managing the latest case. Contact tracing is also underway and all identified individuals are being provided with advice and quarantine guidance.

“While this latest case is separate to the recent cases in Northland and Queenstown, what they all have in common is that they’ve picked up the disease while travelling in countries where there are ongoing outbreaks,” says Dr Lavinia Perumal, Regional Clinical Director of Public Health Medicine for NPHS in the Northern Region.

"This underscores the importance of anyone travelling overseas, including any adults and children, to make sure they’re up to date with two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine after 12 months of age. It’s never too late to get a vaccination no matter your age, and immunisations are free for most people in Aotearora New Zealand.”

Dr Perumal says the case recently travelled to an area with a known measles outbreak but were not infectious at the time they were travelling on flights.  

One location of interest has been identified, at Auckland City Hospital’s Emergency Department, where the person was while infectious:

  • Auckland City Hospital AED Triage (Adult Emergency Department) and CDU (Clinical Decision Unit) on Friday 17 October between 10:30am to 7:45pm.

Any locations of interest identified will be published online at: Measles: Locations of interest in Aotearoa New Zealand (external link)

“Health New Zealand is asking anyone who was in those specific areas of Auckland City Hospital Emergency Department during that time and date to check they have been vaccinated and are immune to measles,” says Dr Perumal.

“Anyone exposed should watch for symptoms through until Friday 7 November. If symptoms develop, they should contact Healthline immediately on 0800 611 116 and stay home until they receive advice from public health services.

” 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.

Dr Perumal says despite the latest case presenting a low risk for communmity transmission, the fact it comes so soon after the recent Northland and Queenstown cases, shows that measles still remains an ever-present threat.

“As all of these cases show, Aotearoa New Zealand still remains at high risk of a measles outbreak, due to outbreaks currently occurring overseas in many popular travel destinations, combined with lower rates of immunisation.

“Travellers should check their vaccination status before travelling and get an MMR vaccination if needed, at least 2 weeks before travel. It is not harmful to have additional MMR vaccinations if they are unsure.”

Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious illness, with about one in every three people needing hospital care.

Measles spreads easily and is passed on when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.

Anyone who isn’t immune can get infected if they are exposed to someone with measles, or they enter an area where an infected person has recently been.

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

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 information about checking if you are fully protected against measles, visit info.health.nz/measles (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.

Free NZ Relay Services are available at nzrelay.co.nz (external link) if you are Deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind or have speech communication difficulties. 

For more information about measles visit: http://info.health.nz/measles (external link)