A measles case has been confirmed in New Zealand for the first time since the 2019 outbreak. The person is an adult living in Auckland. They were infected overseas, however did not become infectious until after their arrival in New Zealand. The confirmed case is now isolating at home and contact tracing is underway.

There are several public exposure events between Sunday 5 February and Saturday 11 February where measles could have been passed on to others. These include a festival in the Waikato; chartered bus transport, meals and a hotel in Tauranga; a pharmacy and supermarket in Auckland’s CBD. Details and advice are available below.

‘We ask anyone present at these exposure events to stay alert to symptoms of measles and check if they are immune. You should ring Healthline on 0800 611 116 if you aren’t immune and may have been exposed.

 

‘Symptoms can include a fever, cough, runny nose and sore and watery ‘pink’ eyes. These are followed by a blotchy rash. If you catch measles you're infectious four days before and until four days after the rash appears.

‘If you have symptoms and need to visit your GP or an after-hours clinic phone ahead first to limit the risk of the virus being spread to other people.

Please ensure that children and babies receive their normal vaccinations to protect them from measles.

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                                                This information has been copied from the Ministry of Health, 2023.