Health officials are warning of an escalating national risk of measles following confirmation of three new cases across the country today, including a child in Nelson, the first confirmed case in the South Island this year.
Health New Zealand confirmed two additional cases in Manawatū and one in Nelson, bringing the total number of cases to four, following a case in Auckland yesterday.
Two of today’s cases are children.
The National Public Health Service (NPHS) says the growing number of cases, some linked to overseas travel, raises the possibility of undetected community transmission.
“These latest cases mean Aotearoa New Zealand is facing an escalating risk of measles outbreaks across New Zealand,” said Dr Sharon Sime, Public Health Medicine Specialist at NPHS. “There is real potential for additional cases.”
Investigations are underway into locations of interest visited by the Nelson and Manawatū cases while they were infectious. These will be updated online as they become available.
Contact tracing is ongoing, and support is being provided to those affected.
Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, particularly in children and those who are unvaccinated. During the 2019 measles outbreak, one in three people with the virus required hospital care.
Health officials are urging people, especially in affected regions, to watch for symptoms including:
- High fever (over 38°C)
- Cough, runny nose, sore red eyes
- A rash starting on the face and spreading across the body
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should stay home and call ahead before visiting a GP. Healthline is also available 24/7 on 0800 611 116.
Dr Sime stressed the importance of MMR vaccination, particularly before international travel. “The best protection is to ensure you’ve had two doses of the MMR vaccine after 12 months of age. It’s never too late to get vaccinated.”
The MMR vaccine is free for anyone under 18 and for adults eligible for public healthcare in New Zealand.
