Confirmed Measles case infectious while at Auckland event
A Northland person, the latest confirmed case of Measles, attended an event in Auckland while infectious over the labour weekend. This latest case brings the number of confirmed cases of measles in Northland to 91.
They attended an event on Sunday 27 October at Studio the Venue in Auckland, and may have passed measles onto other people there.
Northland medical officer of health, Dr Catherine Jackson, advises anyone at this venue on Sunday, October 27 should watch for signs and symptoms of measles. Measles starts a bit like the flu with fevers, cough, runny nose, and sore red eyes with a rash appearing on day 3-5.
“You are most at risk if you’re not immune to measles, either because you haven’t been vaccinated or you haven’t had the disease previously. People who are not immune may start experiencing symptoms over the next week," Dr Jackson says. “Immunisation with MMR is strongly recommended for anyone under 30 years of age who is unsure of their immunisation status and is free from your GP.”
Anyone over the age of 50 years is considered immune as they would have been exposed to the virus as a child.
If you were at the venue but are unsure whether you’re immune to measles, talk to your doctor or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice.
Measles is a highly infectious airborne disease that spreads easily through the air via coughing and sneezing.
If you do start to develop symptoms that could be measles, ring ahead to your doctor or Emergency Department and let them know you may have Measles – this is to prevent potentially infecting others in the waiting room.
Vaccination with the MMR vaccine offers the best protection against measles. One dose will prevent measles in 95 percent of people, while having two doses will protect 99 percent of people who have the vaccine.
Children and adults in Whangarei can get a free MMR vaccine at the Child Wellbeing Hub at 22b Commerce Street on Tuesdays and Thursdays, no appointment needed.
For more information about measles, visit our dedicated Measles page on our website, Auckland Regional Public Health(external link) website, or the Ministry of Health website(external link).
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