Te Tai Tokerau Measles case Confirmed

Please attribute to Dr. Ankush Mittal, Medical Officer of Health, National Public Health Service in Te Tai Tokerau. 

A Northland resident has recently been diagnosed with measles. The local public health service is in the process of tracing any exposed contacts from this case within our region. 

As this case is currently unlinked to any recent case in New Zealand and does not have a history of recent international travel, it remains possible that there is wider transmission of measles in our region.   

Dr Mittal says, “The source of infection is currently unknown, so it is critical that everyone be alert to the symptoms and get vaccinated if they haven’t already.” 

Public health advice will be provided for any organisations where there has been an exposure to measles, and these may also be publicised through media alerts. 

“We are working closely with the case and their household, who have been very proactive in helping us trace contacts, and we would like to thank them for their support.”

“We remind people to be up to date with the immunisation. If you are unsure whether you have had one or two doses of MMR, get vaccinated as there is no additional risk in getting an extra dose.” 

We encourage everyone to remain vigilant for measles and where measles is suspected to stay at home and call your healthcare provider or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for more advice.   

Measles signs and symptoms 

• It usually takes 10-12 days from exposure to the first symptom.
• The illness begins with fever, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis (inflammation in the eyes), which lasts for 2-4 days.
• It may be possible to see small white spots (Koplik spots) inside the mouth.
• A rash appears 2-4 days after the first symptoms, beginning at the hairline and gradually spreading down the body to the arms and legs. The rash lasts for up to one week.

Here is a link(external link) to more information about measles.

To find out where you can be immunised including community clinics and pharmacy go to our website(external link)

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