Measles alert in Auckland: Risks, symptoms, and prevention
Health New Zealand
has issued a public alert after a new case of
measles
was confirmed in Auckland, prompting urgent warnings over possible community exposure and renewed concerns over the country's low immunisation rates.
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'There are a number of public locations in Auckland where the person has been infected,' said a HNZ spokesperson.
The infected individual is a staff member of Fullers360 ferries, and is believed to have contracted the virus while travelling in Asia.
Although not infectious during their flight back, the person became contagious soon after returning, visiting multiple public locations in Auckland while capable of spreading the virus.
Exposure Locations Identified
Live Events
The case has triggered contact tracing efforts centered on several key locations visited by the individual. They are as follows: 1) Woolworths Kelston, 2) Auckland Downtown Carpark, Custom Street, 3) Fullers360 ferries
People who visited these locations are advised to check their immunisation status and remain alert for
symptoms
. Those who are not immune and were present at the listed sites should call Healthline (0800 611 116) before seeking in-person medical care.
Vaccination Rates Below Critical Threshold
Dr. Susan Jack, Health NZ's Clinical Director of Protection, warned that the country's immunisation rate hovers around 80 percent, far below the 95 percent required to prevent an outbreak.
'Because measles is so highly infectious, we actually need around 95 percent coverage,' Dr. Jack said. 'If you're unvaccinated and a close contact, please stay home.'
Recent data also indicates that immunisation rates among Māori and Pacific children are below the national average.
The Ministry of Health has intensified efforts to increase MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine uptake, including partnering with Plunket to deploy more vaccinators, especially in vulnerable communities.
Plunket, officially known as The Royal New Zealand Plunket Trust, is a charity that provides free health and development services.
Symptoms and Risks
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses globally, with up to 90 percent of non-immune people becoming infected after exposure. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, sore, red eyes, followed by a distinctive blotchy rash.
Complications occur in up to 30 percent of cases and include pneumonia, seizures, ear infections (which can lead to deafness), and, in rare cases, brain swelling or the deadly SSPE (subacute sclerosing panencephalitis).
The last major
measles outbreak
in New Zealand was in 2019, with over 2,000 cases and significant hospitalisations. Two unborn babies died as a result.
Who Should Be Vaccinated?
Children: Two MMR doses at 12 and 15 months.
Adults born after 1969: Should have two documented MMR doses.
Infants over 6 months: Can receive the vaccine during outbreaks.
Those unsure of their status: A second dose is safe, even if previously vaccinated.
Call to Action
The Government urges all residents to verify their
vaccination status
through My Health Record or with their GP. The Vaccination Helpline (0800 28 29 26) is available for parents to check children's records.
The Health Minister emphasized, 'It's not a matter of if but when New Zealand sees a full-scale measles outbreak if vaccination rates do not improve.'
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is measles spread?
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air via droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.
2. Who is most at risk?
Unvaccinated individuals, especially children under five and people with weakened immune systems, are most at risk of serious illness or complications from measles.
3. How can I protect myself and my family?
Vaccination is the best protection. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is safe and highly effective. If unsure about your or your child's vaccination status, contact your healthcare provider.
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