Thirteenth case of measles this year highlights importance of immunisations

2 November 2023

A person has been confirmed with measles in Taranaki after returning to New Zealand from overseas. This follows recent cases linked to a person from Northland and is the thirteenth measles case so far this year.

National Public Health Service interim clinical lead William Rainger says: “The National Public Health Service (NPHS) has been working to identify and follow up people who may have come into contact with the individual during their journey returning from overseas to Taranaki.

“While case investigation efforts and tracing of potential case contacts are still ongoing, at this stage based on the information we have, there are a limited number of locations of interest.”

Any Locations of interest identified through the investigation process will be posted on the Te Whatu Ora website as soon as possible.

“The first symptoms of measles include a fever, cough, runny nose, sore and watery pink eyes. This is followed by a blotchy rash a few days later,” Dr Rainger says.

“If you are not immune, or not sure if you’re immune call your doctor or healthcare provider for advice on getting vaccinated.”

Measles is highly contagious and can be a very serious illness. It can affect adults as well as children who are not immunised.  

People are considered immune to measles if they have received two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, have had measles previously, or lived in New Zealand before 1969.  
For more information please go to the following:  Find out if you need a measles vaccine

“Measles is very infectious, so it’s important that if people think they might have measles, please phone your family doctor or GP for advice first. This is to limit the risk of the virus being spread to other people. You can also call Healthline for free anytime on 0800 611 116.”  

Last updated: Friday, November 3, 2023