Health New Zealand has confirmed two new measles cases in Auckland, linked to recent overseas travel. Contact tracing is underway and all identified individuals will be provided with advice. Both cases are from the same household.

Locations of Interest include:

  • Flight SQ281 from Singapore to Auckland, arriving in New Zealand on 17 February 2026
  • Auckland International Airport from 11.30pm on 17 February to 1.30am on 18 February
  • Waitakere Hospital Emergency Department waiting room on 21 February from 9am to 11am.

Public Health is attempting to contact all people on the flight and from Waitakere Hospital ED directly. If you sat in rows 31 to 46 on flight SQ281 and have not been contacted by Public Health, please call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

Information on these locations of interest and advice for people who were present is available at info.health.nz/locations-of-interest (external link).

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.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Richard Vipond says measles is a serious and highly infectious illness, which can affect adults as well as children and babies.

“If you have symptoms of measles, please phone ahead before visiting your doctor or healthcare provider so they can take precautions to prevent measles spreading. You can also call Healthline for free advice anytime on 0800 611 116,” Dr Vipond says.

“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.

“These cases are another reminder for everyone to check if you and your whānau are immune to measles. They highlight New Zealand’s ongoing vulnerability to further outbreaks, especially related to overseas travel due to our low immunisation rates.” 

“Anyone travelling overseas, including adults and children, should make sure they’re up to date with two doses of the MMR vaccine after 12 months of age. If you are travelling to a country with an active measles outbreak, infants between the ages of 4 and 11 months may be advised to have an additional free dose of the MMR vaccine early. Talk to your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider about this.” 

The MMR vaccine 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, that includes all citizens and permanent residents.