Health New Zealand has confirmed a new measles case in Wellington linked to recent international travel.
The National Public Health Service is supporting the person and their close contacts to help prevent further spread of the highly contagious disease and is identifying locations of interest where the person visited while infectious.
People are encouraged to check the Health New Zealand locations of interest page regularly for the latest information and follow any public health advice if they were at a location during the specified times.
Medical Officer of Health for the Greater Wellington region, Dr Craig Thornley, said the confirmed case was a timely reminder for people to stay alert to measles.
“With many people travelling or returning from overseas during the school holidays, this case is a timely reminder that measles can be brought into New Zealand at any time.
“Measles is a serious and highly infectious illness, so we’re asking people to remain vigilant, check the locations of interest and know the symptoms.
“Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose or red eyes, followed by a rash that usually starts on the face. Anyone who has experienced these symptoms recently, even if they have since recovered, should call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or contact their usual healthcare provider for advice.
“If you think you may have been exposed, or develop symptoms, stay home and call ahead before visiting a healthcare provider. Calling ahead helps prevent exposing others.”
Dr Thornley said it is also important people check their immunisation status.
“Immunisation is the best protection against measles. People are generally considered immune if they have had measles before, have had two measles vaccines after 12 months of age, or were born in New Zealand before 1969. If people are unsure, they should check their immunisation records or talk to their healthcare provider about the MMR vaccine.”
People who were at a location of interest during the identified exposure periods should monitor for symptoms and follow the advice provided on the Health New Zealand website.
Symptoms of measles can include:
- fever
- cough
- runny nose
- sore, red or watery eyes
- a rash that usually starts on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.
Anyone who develops symptoms should stay at home and contact their healthcare provider or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice. People are asked to phone ahead before visiting a healthcare provider to help prevent further spread of the virus.