A confirmed case of measles in Wellington linked to international travel has prompted health authorities to urge residents to check their vaccination records and remain alert for symptoms of the highly infectious disease.
Health New Zealand announced the case on 8 October and said the National Public Health Service was working with the infected person and their close contacts to prevent further spread.
Public health officials are also identifying places the person may have visited while infectious, with locations of interest being published through Health New Zealand’s website.
Medical Officer of Health for the Greater Wellington region, Dr Craig Thornley, said international travel during the school holidays made it important for people to recognise the risk of measles being brought into New Zealand.
Measles can spread easily between people who are not immune, and the infection can cause serious illness in both children and adults.
Early symptoms commonly include a fever, cough, runny nose and sore or watery red eyes. A rash generally develops later, often beginning on the face before spreading to other parts of the body.
Health authorities are advising anyone with possible measles symptoms to stay home and contact their healthcare provider or Healthline before attending a clinic.
Calling ahead allows medical staff to take precautions and reduce the risk of exposing other patients.
Vaccination remains the most effective protection. Health New Zealand recommends checking whether people have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, known as MMR.
People who are unsure of their vaccination history can check their immunisation records or discuss their circumstances with a healthcare provider.
The public health advice is particularly important for families with young children and people who may have been exposed while travelling or attending public places.
Anyone who visited a listed location of interest during the specified exposure period should follow the instructions published for that location. The locations and advice can change as contact tracing continues.
Residents experiencing symptoms can call Healthline free on 0800 611 116.
Health New Zealand has not identified this case as part of a confirmed local outbreak in its 8 October announcement.
