With the countries current vaccination rates, an expert warns New Zealand is at risk of a measles epidemic. Video / Dean Purcell / Katie Oliver / Ben Dickens
A person with measles visited another Auckland supermarket and a chemist on May 7 while infectious.
Health NZ has added Unichem New Lynn and Mt Albert PakN’Save to its locations of interest list.
It advises checking immunisation status for those at the locations during exposure times.
A measles carrier visited another supermarket and a chemist while infectious last week, health authorities have revealed.
The National Public Health Service (NPHS) said new locations of interest for possible spread of the disease were Unichem New Lynn on May 7 between 9.00 and 10.30am and Mount Albert Pak n Save between 10.00 and 11.45 am on the same day.
“Anyone who was at these locations at these times needs to check they have immunity to measles,” the organisation said in a statement.
“You are considered immune to measles if you have proof of two doses of the MMR vaccine. People born before 1969 or who have evidence confirming measles previously are also considered immune.”
The locations of interest across Auckland
Health NZ has identified a chemist and a supermarket as locations of interest where the recent case of measles visited while infectious.
A Fullers360 spokesperson confirmed the infected person was a marine crew member.
The infected person had visited several public locations in Auckland while they were infectious.
“We are actively working with Health NZ and are following their guidance and protocols to ensure all necessary steps are being taken,” a Fullers360 spokesperson told the Herald.
“Staff who are considered to have been in possible contact with the known case in our crew are being contacted by Health NZ and will be guided by them on any further necessary steps.”
More than 20 staff at Woolworths Kelston were exposed to the measles virus after a shopping trip by the infected person, with workers being sent home.
Multiple workers at Woolworths Kelston were exposed to measles when an infected person shopped at the store.
A Woolworths New Zealand spokesperson said 22 of their team had been identified as close contacts.
“We are following the advice of Health NZ and our team members have been sent home as needed.”
The infected person went into the store on the first Saturday afternoon in May.
Woolworths Kelston manager Narinder Singh said the impacted team were briefed this morning with advice from Health NZ.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily from person to person by breathing in air after a person with measles has sneezed, coughed, talked or even breathed.
The measles virus can stay in the air even after the person with measles has left the room or area.
A Woolworths NZ spokesperson said they were notified by Health NZ yesterday that a person with measles visited the Kelston store on May 3, between 2.30pm and 4.30pm.
The infected person, a ferry worker who took multiple journeys across Waitematā Harbour on May 5, also used the stairwell and elevator of Auckland Downtown Carpark.
Pak'nSave Mt Albert is now a location of interest. Image / Google
How severe is measles?
Measles is a serious and highly contagious illness.
It can also be spread after touching tissues, objects or other surfaces contaminated with an infected person’s nasal mucus and saliva.
Health NZ NPHS protection clinical director Dr Susan Jack said it can affect adults as well as children and babies.
Measles symptoms usually start within 10 to 14 days after the initial exposure to the virus.
Symptoms of measles include:
fever (a temperature of at least 38C)
cough
runny nose
sore, red eyes
rash
The rash develops three to four days after the other symptoms. It appears as pink or red spots or bumps which start on the face before moving down the rest of the body.
Children under 5, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing complications from the measles virus.
One out of three people with measles will be sick enough to need hospital care.
Complications include:
ear infections
diarrhoea
lung infections (pneumonia)
swelling of the brain (encephalitis) — this is rare but can cause permanent brain damage or death
How to protect yourself from measles
A Health NZ spokesperson said a person is considered immune to measles if:
They have proof of two doses of the MMR vaccine
They were born before 1969 or have evidence of having measles previously
If you think you have measles, it is important to stay home and seek medical advice. Call your usual GP or you can call Healthline for free 24/7 advice and support.
People who are not immune to measles, or are unsure, can check with their healthcare provider about getting immunised.
