Health New Zealand can confirm two new measles cases in Northland today, linked to the initial case reported last Friday (25 September). This brings the total number of cases in Northland to date to six. As reported yesterday (29 September), there is also one confirmed but unrelated case of measles in the Queenstown area.

The National Public Health Service (NPHS) is also today reporting a number of new locations of interest, primarily in Queenstown and Cromwell, but also in Northland, following ongoing contact tracing efforts.

“While these cases in different parts of the country are unrelated to each other, both have links to recent international travel to countries experiencing outbreaks. So, it’s an important reminder that for anyone planning to travel overseas, please make sure you are up to date with two doses of the MMR vaccine, which provides the best protection against measles,” says Dr Sharon Sime, Public Health Medicine Specialist, NPHS.

“And with school holidays continuing this week, it’s also a good time for parents and families to double check the immunisation status of children and loved ones, and if they’re not up to date, to go and get immunised before heading back to school.”

Immunisations are free for most people in New Zealand, including anyone aged under 18, with vaccination clinics available across the motu.

For people in the Northland, Queenstown and Cromwell communities, Dr Sime says it’s particularly important to keep monitoring themselves for measles symptoms, such as a fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes and a rash – and to check the new Locations of Interest (external link) that have been published today, in case they may have come into contact with measles cases.

Anyone who develops symptoms of measles at any time should stay at home and contact their healthcare provider or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Northland update

  • The two new cases are both close contacts who have been in quarantine while infectious. There have now been six cases of measles in the region in total.
  • NPHS is supporting the cases and their close contacts who are isolating to help prevent further spread.
  • NPHS is also alerting the public to earlier exposure dates for locations of interest at Kerikeri High School (external link) during exams at the beginning of September.
  • Anyone at Kerikeri High School at these times and who has had a recent fever or rash, should ring Healthline on 0800 611 116, even if they have recovered.

What to do if you feel unwell

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.

If you need to visit a health care facility, call first and tell the healthcare professional that you have been in close contact with a person with measles. This will help them take steps to keep others safe. If you need an in-person appointment, wear a well-fitting mask to protect others.

Check your immunisation status

For information about checking if you are fully protected against measles, visit info.health.nz/measles (external link) or call the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26. The Helpline is available from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays).

Now is a good time check if you and your whānau are immunised

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 available throughout the Northland area. Check our website here (external link) for details.

If you aren’t immunised or aren’t sure, immunisation clinics provide a great chance to kōrero about immunisations and check if your whānau need them. There’s no need to book and you don’t need to be enrolled with Plunket to drop-in.