Measles hit Auckland — be on watch

Aucklanders are being told to be alert to signs of measles, with two cases of the highly contagious, dangerous disease identified in the region this month.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service medical officer of health Dr William Rainger said the organisation had been notified of a young adult and an infant with measles who could have spread the disease.

The adult was at the Matakana market on Sunday March 3, and an event at the Life Central Church in Normanby Rd, Mt Eden on March 6.

People at the Wesley market in Mt Roskill on March 8 may also have been exposed because the infant was at the International Women’s Day event there.

Rainger said anyone in any of those locations at the time should be aware they might have been in contact with the airborne virus and watch for symptoms — a high fever, runny nose, cough and sore red eyes, followed by a rash starting around the head and spreading to the body.

Canterbury is already struggling with an outbreak that has infected at least 25 people.

A second case has been identified in Dunedin — a visitor from Christchurch. Authorities are tracing 30 people in contact with the patient.

Crusaders fans have been urged to stay home if they are sick, rather than travel to their team’s game against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.

For more information on measles, call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or see the Auckland Regional Public Health Service website.