Attribute to Dr Susan Jack, National Clinical Director, Protection, National Public Health Service

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora can confirm a new measles case in the Bay of Islands in Northland, likely linked to overseas travel.

The confirmed case was notified to public health services on Thursday afternoon, 25 September. They are no longer infectious. There are currently six other individuals associated with the confirmed case who are being assessed for measles infection. The six individuals being assessed were identified as part of initial contact tracing efforts. Public health is still identifying close contacts and possible exposure locations.

We strongly urge everyone in the Bay of Islands area to watch out for measles symptoms, and to stay home and seek health advice if you feel unwell. Measles is a serious and highly infectious illness which can affect adults as well as children and babies.

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.

Please phone ahead before visiting your doctor or hauora provider so they can take precautions to prevent measles spreading. You can also call Healthline for free anytime on 0800 611 116.

Getting immunised with two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine (after the age of 12 months) is the best form of protection against measles.

The MMR vaccine is free in New Zealand for anyone 18 years or under, and for people who are eligible for free healthcare. You can book a vaccination appointment with a pharmacy, your doctor, nurse, or hauora provider. Visit info.health.nz/bookavaccine (external link) for a list of vaccination sites in your area.

Immunisation clinics are also taking in place in Northland on Saturday 27 September at the following locations:

  • Health New Zealand clinic: 16 Commerce Street, Whangārei, 8.30am - 3.30pm
  • Te Ara Tū o Ngāti Hine: Bay Of Islands Hospital, Kawakawa, 10am - 2pm
  • Ngāti Hine Health Trust, 5 Walton Street, Whangārei, 10am – 2pm

Locations of Interest are still being assessed. If required, these will be published as soon as they are available here: https://info.health.nz/measles-locations-of-interest-in-aotearoa-new-zealand (external link)

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). Interpreters are available and you can choose to speak with a Māori advisor, a disability advisor, or use NZ Relay.

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