Today we are confirming one new case of measles in Auckland, linked to overseas travel. The person was not considered infectious on their flight into New Zealand. This new case is not linked to the cases reported on Tuesday 24 February.

This brings the total number of known cases to three, all of which are in Auckland and are being supported by the local public health service.

Several Locations of Interest have been identified, primarily around North-West Auckland including NorthWest and Westgate shopping centres, between 16 and 24 February. We are regularly updating our locations of interest page to reflect the latest information and will add more as new locations are determined. We encourage people to check the page and follow the advice for close or casual contacts, and to monitor for symptoms of measles.

Locations of interest - Health NZ (external link)

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.

This latest case is a timely reminder for everyone to check if you and your whānau are immune to measles. It highlights New Zealand’s ongoing vulnerability to further outbreaks, especially related to overseas travel and our low immunisation rates.

The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is very effective in preventing measles – and it is free in New Zealand for all children under 18, regardless of immigration status, and for adults 18 years old and over who are eligible for publicly funded healthcare. This includes all citizens and permanent residents.