Since the student’s stay, the school has had its facilities cleaned and there was no risk to staff or students returning next week from their break.
“My understanding is that the student spent a lot of the infectious period offsite performing at another local college ... it’s timely to reinforce to all our families the recommendation that all children are immunised for measles.”
Medical officer of health Dr Ankush Mittal said the public health service is in the process of tracing any exposed contacts from this case within the region.
Because the person was currently not linked to any recent case in New Zealand and did not have a history of recent international travel, there was a possibility of wider transmission of measles had already occurred in the region.
“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.”
He said symptoms included a fever, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis (inflammation in the eyes) which lasts for two to four days. But it usually took 10 to 12 days from exposure to spot the first symptom.
“It may be possible to see small white spots [Koplik spots] inside the mouth. You may even see a rash appear two to four 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.”
Mittal said public health advice would be provided for any organisations where there had been exposure to measles, and might also be publicised through media alerts.
He thanked the Northland person’s household for their proactive support in helping them trace contacts.
“We once again like to 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.”
He said the public could get a free immunisation from their Māori Health Partner, doctor, nurse or even pharmacies if people were 16 years or older.
Kensington and Maunu Pharmacy co-owner Angela Heswall said the move to allow pharmacies to offer a broad range of vaccines including for measles this August was a “positive one.”
“Besides improved accessibility for patients. This will also help reduce the workload of many medical practitioners.”
Although the vaccinations for measles haven’t seen a spike, she believed it was too early to draw conclusions.
The public health service encourages 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.
Where can I get immunised?
Saturday October 7
- The Warehouse carpark, Port Rd, Whangārei – 10am until 3pm
- Te Whatu Ora, 16-24 Commerce St, Whangārei – 9am until 4pm
Sunday October 8
- The Warehouse carpark, Port Rd, Whangārei – 10am until 3pm
- Te Whatu Ora, 16-24 Commerce St, Whangārei – 9am until 4pm
Monday October 9
- Dargaville Plunket Rooms - 9am until 3pm
Wednesday October 11
- Dargaville Warehouse carpark - 11am until 5pm
Thursday October 12
- 1 Sammaree Pl, Kerikeri - 9am until 4pm
Avneesh Vincent is the crime and emergency services reporter at the Advocate. He was previously at the Gisborne Herald as the arts and environment reporter and is passionate about covering stories that can make a difference. He joined NZME in July 2023.
