Latest news with #Fullers360
Otago Daily Times
16-05-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
78 quarantined over Auckland measles case
Hundreds of close contacts of the measles case in Auckland have been contacted by Health New Zealand (HNZ) over the past week, in an attempt to contain the risk of the virus spreading in the city. On 11 May, HNZ announced that it had identified a measles case in Auckland which was linked to overseas travel. The case was first confirmed on 10 May. Measles is highly contagious and up to 90 percent of non-immune people (those who have not been vaccinated or have not already had it) will be infected if they are exposed to the virus. About 80 percent of New Zealanders are immune - well below the 95 percent coverage needed to prevent an outbreak. HNZ said it had reached out to 286 close contacts since, and 78 of those people are in quarantine as a precautionary measure. So far, 19 of the close contacts are waiting for blood test results to confirm their measles immunity status. HNZ said it had offered and encouraged MMR vaccinations to anyone identified in the process as non-immune. The agency said it had delivered 50 food packages to people in quarantine who could not access food. HNZ has confirmed 17 exposure events across Auckland - most of which took place on Fullers360 ferry sailings between Auckland CBD, Devonport, Rangitoto and Half Moon Bay on 5 May. Other locations include a CBD carpark on Customs Street, Unichem pharmacy in New Lynn, a Pak'nSave supermarket in Mt Albert, and a Woolworths supermarket in Kelston. The national clinical director of protection at the National Public Health Service, Dr Susan Jack, said their staff had been making phone calls, sending texts and emails, and in some cases door-knocking to follow up on close contacts. She said the virus was highly contagious and an infected person can infect as many as 12 to 18 other people on average. "Our teams have focussed on moving as quickly as possible to reduce the spread," she said. Jack said anyone identified as non-immune during the contact tracing process have been asked to quarantine. "Vaccination with two doses of the MMR vaccine remains the absolute best protection against becoming seriously unwell with measles. "The vaccine is 99 percent effective after two doses and for most people there's no risk in having an extra dose if it's needed. Now is the time for you and your whānau to check if you're protected against measles, and to get immunised if you're not, or if you're unsure." She said it was especially important for infants and young children, and adults who were born or lived in New Zealand between 1969 and 2004 (now aged between 21 and 56), who may not be fully protected, to check their immunisation status. Jack also encouraged anyone planning to travel internationally to make sure they were vaccinated against measles - given the risks over outbreaks in many countries.
NZ Herald
13-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
NZ child immunisation rates climb, Govt urged to address community disparities
'What we're seeing for some of our Māori communities is around 35% immunisation coverage and 44% for some of our Pacific communities. 'This is really concerning because after the 2019 outbreak of measles in Samoa, we saw over 80 people die. Even more tragically, they were mostly children under the age of four. 'I think one thing that we could really do better as a nation is have Government funding that really backs community leaders who are trusted within that community, who can help share the right information, in the right way. 'We saw this during Covid. The more work we did in this, the more investment we made, the higher those immunisation rates got. 'We actually saw for a while there Pacific communities leading the rates in terms of New Zealand vaccinations against Covid,' she said. Netzler said the reasons why some rates are so low are complex. " One of the real battles we have is misinformation and disinformation all about vaccines, but particularly about MMR. 'I think what's really important is that we get more funding from the Government to make sure that we can have community-led initiatives. 'We see a lot of access barriers in our harder-to-reach communities, but we also see some real champions. We see cases like the Moko Van in Te Tai Tokerau, which is taking the vaccine out to people who can't get to a clinic, which is really encouraging,' she said. Auckland case The country remains on high alert after an Auckland ferry worker tested positive for measles. They were infectious while on board 11 Fullers360 sailings on May 5, at a Kelston supermarket, and the Downtown car park on Customs St. Twenty-two staff at Woolworths Kelston were exposed and identified as close contacts. On May 7, they were at Unichem New Lynn and Pak'n Save Mt Albert. The marine crew member had recently travelled to Asia, but they weren't infectious on their flight home. Anyone at these locations at these times needs to check they have immunity to measles. You are considered immune to measles if you have proof of two doses of the MMR vaccine. People born before 1969 or who have evidence of having measles previously are also considered immune. Listen to the full episode You can follow the podcast at iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
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. #Operation Sindoor The damage done at Pak bases as India strikes to avenge Pahalgam Why Pakistan pleaded to end hostilities Kashmir's Pahalgam sparks Karachi's nightmare '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.
NZ Herald
12-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Auckland measles case: New supermarket, chemist identified as locations of interest
'You are considered immune to measles if you have proof of two doses of the MMR vaccine. People born before 1969 or who have evidence confirming measles previously are also considered immune.' The locations of interest across Auckland A Fullers360 spokesperson confirmed the infected person was a marine crew member. The ferry worker had recently travelled to Asia, where it is believed they contracted the virus, but they were not infectious during their flight home. The infected person had visited several public locations in Auckland while they were infectious. 'We are actively working with Health NZ and are following their guidance and protocols to ensure all necessary steps are being taken,' a Fullers360 spokesperson told the Herald. 'Staff who are considered to have been in possible contact with the known case in our crew are being contacted by Health NZ and will be guided by them on any further necessary steps.' More than 20 staff at Woolworths Kelston were exposed to the measles virus after a shopping trip by the infected person, with workers being sent home. A Woolworths New Zealand spokesperson said 22 of their team had been identified as close contacts. 'We are following the advice of Health NZ and our team members have been sent home as needed.' The infected person went into the store on the first Saturday afternoon in May. Woolworths Kelston manager Narinder Singh said the impacted team were briefed this morning with advice from Health NZ. Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily from person to person by breathing in air after a person with measles has sneezed, coughed, talked or even breathed. The measles virus can stay in the air even after the person with measles has left the room or area. A Woolworths NZ spokesperson said they were notified by Health NZ yesterday that a person with measles visited the Kelston store on May 3, between 2.30pm and 4.30pm. The infected person, a ferry worker who took multiple journeys across Waitematā Harbour on May 5, also used the stairwell and elevator of Auckland Downtown Carpark. How severe is measles? Measles is a serious and highly contagious illness. It can also be spread after touching tissues, objects or other surfaces contaminated with an infected person's nasal mucus and saliva. Health NZ NPHS protection clinical director Dr Susan Jack said it can affect adults as well as children and babies. Measles symptoms usually start within 10 to 14 days after the initial exposure to the virus. Symptoms of measles include: fever (a temperature of at least 38C) cough runny nose sore, red eyes rash The rash develops three to four days after the other symptoms. It appears as pink or red spots or bumps which start on the face before moving down the rest of the body. Advertisement Advertise with NZME. Children under 5, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing complications from the measles virus. One out of three people with measles will be sick enough to need hospital care. Complications include: How to protect yourself from measles A Health NZ spokesperson said a person is considered immune to measles if: If you think you have measles, it is important to stay home and seek medical advice. Call your usual GP or you can call Healthline for free 24/7 advice and support. People who are not immune to measles, or are unsure, can check with their healthcare provider about getting immunised.
RNZ News
12-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Midday Report Essentials for Monday 12 May 2025
sport technology 7 minutes ago In today's episode, a lobby group is pleased the government is making solid plans to try and ban social media for under-16s, a Banks Peninsula teenager is walking about 45 minutes each way to get to school while her house is cut off by a large slip, people in Auckland who took some Fullers360 sailings last Monday are being asked to monitor for symptoms of measles, and New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox has won his first PGA Tour title.
