New measles case in Auckland with exposure on Fullers360 ferries and supermarket

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has confirmed today that a new case of measles has been identified in Auckland, linked to overseas travel.

National Public Health Service (NPHS) is supporting the person with measles and their household. Those who are non-immune are now in quarantine to help reduce the chance of spread of this highly contagious disease.

The person with measles has travelled recently to Asia where they are thought to have caught the virus but was not infectious while flying home.

There are a number of public locations in Auckland where the person has been while infectious. Measles is a serious and highly infectious illness so people should check their immunisation status and follow public health advice.

The NPHS is asking people who were at these locations during the times to check their immunisation status. You are considered immune to measles if you have proof of two doses of the MMR vaccine. People born before 1969 or have evidence of having measles previously are also considered immune.

Check your immunisation status

People can check their immunisation records by logging onto My Health Record via www.my.health.nz or by contacting their local healthcare provider. My Health Record is a secure website where most New Zealanders can view their immunisation records, from the year 2005 onwards. In the event of any difficulties, or for records prior to 2005, people should contact their local healthcare provider. The Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26 can also check vaccinations for children and young people during business hours (8.30am-5pm, Monday-Friday).

Not immune?

Anyone exposed at these places and who is not immune should ring Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice as they are considered close contacts. If you are not immune, please stay at home until you have contacted Healthline.

Healthline offers a convenient callback option. This service allows you to leave your phone number, hold your place in line, and receive a call when it's your turn.

The locations of interest are on the  Info.health.nz website. This will be updated with new locations as part of the NPHS case investigation.

Watch for measles symptoms

Anyone exposed at these times should also watch for symptoms of measles and if they develop any, they should contact Healthline immediately on 0800 611 116 and stay home until they receive advice from public health services.

Measles symptoms to be aware of:

• the illness 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.

“Measles is a serious and highly infectious illness, which can affect adults as well as children and babies,” says Health NZ NPHS, Protection Clinical Director Dr Susan Jack. “The MMR vaccine is the only thing that prevents measles.”

If a person with suspected measles infection needs to seek healthcare from a doctor or healthcare provider, they should phone ahead and tell the clinic that they may have been exposed to measles.

“Now is an important time to remind everyone to check if you and your whānau are immune to measles. You are considered immune if you have had two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine after the age of 12 months. People born or living in New Zealand before 1969 or have had measles previously (confirmed by blood results) are also considered immune.

If you are unsure of how many doses of the MMR vaccine you have had before, for most people it’s safe to get immunised again,” says Dr Jack.

The MMR vaccine is free in New Zealand for anyone 18 years or under, and for people who are eligible for free healthcare.

“Being immunised not only protects you, but also those around you from becoming seriously ill and from spreading the disease to others, including friends, loved ones and people in your community,” says Dr Jack.