Two new cases of measles have been confirmed today, along with a high-risk measles exposure on a Cook Strait ferry, as Health New Zealand (Health NZ) continues to respond to an escalating national measles outbreak.

These new cases bring the total number of cases nationally to six. One of the cases is in Northland, two are in Auckland, two are in Manawatu, and one is in Nelson. These are all in addition to the 10 cases reported last week in Northland and the 1 case in Queenstown-lakes district.

Four of the cases are linked to a 2pm to 5:30pm Bluebridge Ferry sailing from Picton to Wellington on 3 October, where an infectious measles case was on board. With the assistance of the ferry company, Health NZ has now contacted approximately 350 passengers on the affected sailing and provided them with health information and advice. Health NZ appreciates the company’s support in making this happen.

“With six cases of measles now confirmed across the country and given the links to the latest ferry exposure event, it’s likely there will be more cases in the community which are yet to be reported,” says Dr Sharon Sime, Public Health Medicine Specialist, national Public Health Service (NPHS).

“That’s why we are asking people to continue to remain vigilant for measles symptoms, and with a long weekend ahead, to stay home if unwell and avoid travel, and seek healthcare advice.”

In addition to the ferry crossing, several locations of interest around Nelson have also been added, alongside one new location in the Manawatu region, which have been published today. Further locations may also be added as NPHS investigations continue.

If anyone believes they were at any of these locations on the relevant dates and times, please check our website 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.

During the measles epidemic in New Zealand in 2019, about one in three people infected required hospital care.

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.

“As is standard when we have measles cases, we are advising people who are considered close contacts to quarantine as a precaution to help contain any potential spread, until we can confirm their immunity status. This is an important part of our public health precautions, and we very much appreciate everyone’s cooperation to help keep the wider community safe. Once someone is confirmed immune, then they can be released from quarantine,” Dr Sime says.

People can check their immunity status by visiting info.health.nz/measles-immunity (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.

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.

Vaccine information

  • Getting two doses of the MMR vaccine after 12 months of age protects 99% of people from measles.
  • 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 more information about MMR vaccination visit: info.health.nz/MeaslesVaccine (external link)