Public health notice: Increased national risk of measles
There is now measles in Northland, Auckland, Manawatu, Nelson and Wellington, and further cases are expected across New Zealand.
Watch out for symptoms of measles
Measles is highly contagious and serious – about one in three people may need hospital care. It spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include:
fever
cough
runny nose
sore, red eyes
rash - the rash develops 3 to 5 days after the other symptoms. The rash appears as pink or red spots or bumps which start on the face before moving down the rest of the body. The rash may be more difficult to see on darker skin. The rash is not usually itchy. It can last for a week or more.
Learn more about measles symptoms on the Health New Zealand website.
What to do if you have symptoms or have been in close contact with a measles case:
The escalating risk of measles is a concern, especially in education settings where measles can spread rapidly. If you have symptoms:
Anyone with measles symptoms must stay at home and should seek urgent advice by ringing their doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Anyone who is closely exposed to a measles case must stay at home. Heath New Zealand will provide individuals with advice on a case-by-case basis (including when they can leave quarantine at home).
Health New Zealand is actively working with the schools that currently have measles cases.
Measles Immunity:
Please check your own and your child/childrens’ immunisation status through My Health Record.
People are considered immune to measles after having two doses of a measles vaccine from 12 months or older, or if you have had measles before. For more information on measles immunity visit: Learn more about measles immunity on the Health New Zealand website.
Anyone born between 1969 and 2004 may have only received one vaccine dose and might not be fully protected. It’s safe to get extra doses. A free vaccine can be booked online or via the vaccination helpline on 0800 28 29 26.