Epidemic Hazard - Measles

Health New Zealand is urging communities to remain on alert following the confirmation of three new measles cases in Northland. The latest cases bring the total in the region to nine.<br />Separately, there is one confirmed but unrelated case of measles in the Queenstown area, taking the national total to 10.<br />The National Public Health Service (NPHS) is actively managing the response, including contact tracing and public health follow-up, Health NZ said.<br />Officials are advising people in Northland, Queenstown and Cromwell to monitor for symptoms, which include fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes and a rash, and to check published Locations of Interest.<br />Measles is a highly contagious illness that can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis and, in some cases, death. About one in three people with measles require hospital care.<br />Health NZ said both the Northland outbreak and the Queenstown case are linked to recent international travel to countries experiencing outbreaks, such as Australia, Indonesia and North America. The agency is reminding anyone planning overseas travel to check they are fully immunised with two doses of the MMR vaccine.<br />As schools return on Monday, parents are urged to keep unwell children at home and to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up to date. Immunisation is free for those under 18 and available through pharmacies, GPs, hauora providers and immunisation clinics nationwide.<br />In Northland, one of the new cases was identified as a contact only after becoming infectious, meaning they may have unknowingly spread measles in the community. Public health teams are working to trace possible exposure locations, including Kerikeri High School during early September exam periods.