A measles case has been confirmed in New Zealand for the first time since the 2019 outbreak. The person is an adult living in Auckland. They were infected overseas, however did not become infectious until after their arrival in New Zealand. The confirmed case is now isolating at home and contact tracing is underway.
There are several public exposure events between Sunday 5 February and Saturday 11 February where measles could have been passed on to others. These include a festival in the Waikato; chartered bus transport, meals and a hotel in Tauranga; a pharmacy and supermarket in Auckland’s CBD. Details and advice are available below.
‘Measles is a very serious illness that spreads very quickly. It is much more contagious than COVID-19, particularly amongst people who aren’t immune,’ says Te Whatu Ora spokesperson Dr Nick Chamberlain, Director, 勛圖厙桴 Public Health Service.