Confirmed: One measle case, another likely

One new confirmed case of measles and a second probable case have been identified in Waikato, Health NZ confirmed in a statement yesterday.

The cases, both young children, their whanaū and all known close contacts are being supported by local public health services, with those most at risk now in quarantine to help reduce the chance of further spread.

Before testing had occurred and during their likely infectious period, the cases spent time in Auckland, Waikato and Tauranga between March 23-26 predominantly visiting family members at several residential addresses, the statement said.

Health NZ is now working together with the children’s whanaū to identify if there were any public locations of interest that people within the community need to be aware of.

Any new information will be communicated and shared on the Health NZ Locations of Interest page.

“With no connection to overseas travel and the original source of the illness currently unknown, it is suspected that the children may have caught measles from someone else in the local community,” national public health service regional clinical director Dr William Rainger said.

“This presents a real concern and high risk that others could be infected but may not know it yet, so we ask people, particularly in areas of Auckland, Waikato and Tauranga, to watch out closely for measles symptoms and to call Healthline immediately on 0800 611 116 if anyone suspects measles infection, so they can get free advice and public health support if they need it.”

Measles symptoms to be aware of:

■ early symptoms of measles are similar to other respiratory illnesses such as Covid-19, or the common cold.

■ the illness begins with fever, 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. Information for people concerned that they have been exposed to the disease is available on info. health.nz.

Anyone developing symptoms of measles should contact Healthline urgently and stay home until they receive advice from public health services.

If a person with suspected measles infection needs to seek healthcare in person from a doctor or healthcare provider, they should phone ahead to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients and wear a mask during their appointment.

“Now is an important time to remind everyone to check if you and your whanaū 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,” Dr Rainger said..

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are free in New Zealand for anyone 18 years or under, and for people who are eligible for free healthcare. A vaccination appointment can be booked online through Book My Vaccine.