A person who recently returned from Asia has been diagnosed with measles on Auckland’s Waiheke Island, prompting health warnings over two exposure sites.
The National Public Health Service is supporting the case and their household, “with those most at risk now in quarantine to help reduce the chance of further spread,” according to a spokesperson for Te Whatu Ora Health NZ.
“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 on Waiheke Island where the person has been while infectious.”
Health officials said the case visited Four Square Oneroa on November 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, between 3.15pm and 8.30pm.
The case also visited Unichem Pharmacy on November 10 between 11am and 12.30pm.
Authorities are urging “members of the public at these locations at these times to check they have been vaccinated or are immune to measles”.
“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.”
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They added: “Health NZ is continuing to undertake its case investigation and may identify other locations of interest that people in the community need to be aware of.
“Further information about these locations will be shared on our Health Information and Services website tomorrow.”
Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and sore red eyes (conjunctivitis), along with 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.
People unaware of their immunity to measles have been urged to contact their GP or healthcare provider. The Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26 can also check vaccinations for children and young people, according to Health NZ.
“Measles is a serious and highly infectious illness, which can affect adults as well as children and babies,” said Health NZ medical officer of health Dr Lavinia Perumal.
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“The MMR vaccine is the only thing that prevents measles.”
She said: “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, or you lived in New Zealand before 1969.
“If you are unsure of how many doses of MMR you have had before, for most people it’s safe to get immunised again.”
