New Zealand’s first confirmed imported measles case since 2019 traveled to Tauranga

New Zealand’s first measles case since the 2019 outbreak has traveled to Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.

The person is an adult living in Auckland who was infected overseas but only became contagious after arriving in New Zealand.

The case is isolated at home and contact tracing is ongoing.

Several public exposure events between February 5 and February 11 have already been set up and include the Blue Haven Hotel in Tauranga, the Lolo Authentic Turkish Kitchen in Mount Maunganui and the General Cafe in Mount Maunganui.

National Public Health Service director Dr Nick Champerlain said measles “is a very serious disease”.

“It is much more contagious than Covid-19, especially in people who are not immune.

“Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose and sore, watery ‘pink’ eyes.

“These are followed by a spotty rash. If you get measles, you are contagious for four days before and up to four days after the rash appears.

Symptoms normally take 7-14 days to develop after exposure to someone with measles.

Anyone with symptoms should see their GP or after-hours clinic, but phone first to limit the risk of spreading the virus to others.

Te Whatu Ora is tracing all contacts of the case to verify immunity and offer vaccination if appropriate.

A person is considered immune if they have received two doses of the measles, mumps or rubella (MMR) vaccine, if they have had measles before, or if they were born before 1969.

“It was inevitable that we would have more cases of measles in New Zealand and we have been preparing for this for some time,” Chamberlain said.

“We all know how infectious measles is from the last outbreak in Auckland and Northland.

“The most important thing people can do to protect themselves is to make sure they and their Tamariki are immune. Vaccination is safe and effective.

People who are contagious will need to self-isolate from the time they may have been infected until four days after the rash appears.

Anyone present at exposure events is urged to stay alert for symptoms and to check for immunity.

People should call Healthline on 0800 611 116 if they are not immune and may have been exposed.

Public exhibition events

The individual has also traveled to other locations, but Public Health has either been able to identify those who may be contacts and notify them directly or the risk has been assessed as very low.

These places are therefore not publicized to protect the privacy of individuals. Other public exposure events may still be identified and will be made public as necessary.