Information available now for possible measles contacts

Information for people concerned about whether they have been exposed to measles is now available on the Te Whatu Ora website.

An alert went out to all New Zealand yesterday (Thursday 5 October) following a Northland student being diagnosed with measles who had been in Wellington for a number of days before flying to Auckland.

The individual was in contact with students who attended a week-long Shakespeare Globe Theatre New Zealand (SGCNZ) National Shakespeare Schools Production event at Scots College, Wellington. These students then travelled to other parts of the country, and we ask those students to please isolate until you have been contacted by public health.

National Public Health Service interim clinical lead Dr William Rainger says, “People who were on Jetstar Flight JQ258 from Wellington to Auckland on Tuesday 3rd October should get vaccinated if they are not immune, or are unsure, and watch out for symptoms. Those at high risk will be contacted directly by public health in the next few days.

Other key locations of interest include: the Alan Gibbs Centre at Wellington College, Wellington Accident and Emergency Centre in Adelaide Road, and Wellington Zoo. Please check the website for more information.

Dr Rainger says, “If you have been at any of these locations at the same time as the person with measles, please get vaccinated if you are not immune, or are unsure, and watch out for symptoms.”

“Northland health staff are working closely with the case and their household, who have been very proactive in helping us trace contacts, and we would like to thank them for their support.”

“We remind people to be up to date with the measles immunisation. If you are unsure whether you have had one or two doses of MMR, for most people it’s safe to get vaccinated again. However, if you are pregnant or have a health condition meaning you have a weakened immune system, please speak to your health care provider before getting vaccinated as it may not be appropriate. “

We encourage everyone to remain vigilant for measles and where measles is suspected to stay at home and call your healthcare provider or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for more advice.

Measles signs and symptoms

• It usually takes 10-12 days from exposure to the first symptom.

• The illness begins with fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (inflammation in the eyes), which lasts for 2-4 days.

• It may be possible to see small white spots (Koplik spots) inside the mouth.

• A rash appears 2-4 days after the first symptoms, beginning at the hairline and gradually spreading down the body to the arms and legs. The rash lasts for up to one week.