Today we are confirming one new case of measles. The number of known measles cases nationally since the response began is now 31, of whom 28 are no longer infectious.

Today we can confirm two new locations of interest. We expect further locations to be published in the wider Auckland area. We encourage people to check the Locations of interest page and follow the instructions if they are a close or casual contact, and to monitor for symptoms of measles. 

Measles: locations of interest (external link)

Locations of interest

  • 10 Madden Street, Wynward Quarter, Auckland Central: 10 December, 2:30pm to 4:30pm
  • Giraffe Restaurant, 85/89 Customs Street West, Auckland Central: 10 December, 11am to 1pm.

The National Public Health Service also continues to investigate to link all known cases and to trace all contacts. We remind everyone who may be a case or a contact to please follow public health advice, which may include needing to quarantine to help protect others. 

This means anyone who develops symptoms of measles, including runny nose, fever, cough, and sore red eyes, and a rash starting at the face, should stay home, and contact Healthline on 0800 611 116, or their usual healthcare provider. Please call ahead before visiting a healthcare provider, this allows them to take steps to prevent the illness spreading. 

To help stop measles spreading and maintain business continuity during an outbreak, Health NZ has published guidance to support workplaces and organisations. This includes a checklist and information resources for employers, advice on reducing the impact of measles on workplaces and guidance on what to do when a workplace has a suspected or confirmed measles case. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has endorsed the guidance.

Measles: Key actions for workplaces

This is in addition to guidance for organisers of large events and gatherings, and for hospitals/healthcare and education settings which has previously been published.  

We also encourage people to check their immunisation status and get their MMR vaccination if they have not already had two documented doses of the vaccine, or can’t show that they’ve had measles before. 

Checking if you are immune to measles (external link)

Measles can have a long incubation period and is highly contagious, so anyone planning to travel, either internationally or within New Zealand, is strongly encouraged to check their immunisation status and get vaccinated if needed. 

Get protected before you travel over the holiday period

Health NZ is reminding anyone with overseas travel plans over the holiday period to check their immunisation status and to catch up on any missed MMR vaccination as soon as possible, before leaving New Zealand.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine (after the age of 12 months) protect about 99 per cent of people from getting measles. 

Some countries may require proof of immunisation. Please check the SafeTravel website for more information.

SafeTravel  (external link)

Allow time before you travel

It can take two weeks or more to develop immunity after a dose of the MMR vaccination and two MMR doses (after the age of 12 months) at least a month apart is required for full immunity.

Monitor for symptoms

Health New Zealand is reminding people who have recently returned from overseas travel or have whānau visiting from abroad to monitor for measles symptoms and follow public health advice.

Measles cases by region as of Monday 15 December 1pm

*Indicates change in the past 24 hours.

Northland | Te Tai Tokerau 1
Auckland | Tāmaki Makaurau 12*
Waikato 1
Taranaki 1
Manawatū 2
Wellington | Whanganui-a-Tara 8
Nelson 4
Dunedin | Ōtepoti 1
Queenstown 1
TOTAL 31*

For more information please contact hnzmedia@tewhatuora.govt.nz