Dr Miller said it was not clear whether the Mount Maunganui case had any connection with the Christchurch or Auckland outbreaks.
However, he said it was common to get suspected cases and this case emphasised the importance of getting immunised.
If someone suspected a case of measles, Miller urged them to call their GP ahead of making an appointment to avoid potentially spreading the disease in the doctors waiting room.
Dr Miller said the supply of vaccines in the country was enough to cover routine immunisation and parents needed to ensure their children received immunisations on time at 15 months and 4 years of age.
"MMR vaccine provides very effective protection against measles and is completely free for children and adults who need it," Dr Miller said.
People in their late teens and early 20s should also check they had been vaccinated, as the immunisation rate was lower when they were children.
Anyone not sure if they were immunised should speak to their doctor.
"If you have never had a dose of MMR vaccine now is the time to get one. After one dose of MMR vaccine about 95 per cent of people are protected from measles, and 99 per cent of people who have had both doses are protected from measles."
People born before 1969 were likely to be immune because measles used to be quite common, and people in that age group did not need immunisation.
Fifth Avenue Family Practice GP Dr Luke Bradshaw was not surprised of the Mount Maunganui case, given Tauranga had a higher proportion of unvaccinated people than other places, and there had already been two cases in the Bay of Plenty this year, he said.
Bradshaw said there had been a noticeable increase in people getting vaccinated since the outbreaks in Auckland and Christchurch, especially from those travelling to Christchurch.
This had led to a shortage in vaccine supply in the region but he expected supplies would be sent from other areas if needed.
Bradshaw also noted an increase in enquiries from people about whether they were covered and from companies who were looking to get their staff vaccinated.
About measles
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness and is spread from person to person through the air by breathing, sneezing or coughing. Just being in the same room as someone with measles can lead to infection if you are not immune. Measles can be serious with around one in 10 people who get measles needing to be hospitalised.
"The first early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, sore red eyes and cough. After three to five days a red, blotchy rash appears on the face and head and then spreads down the body," said Dr Miller.
Anyone who thought they had measles should stay home and call their doctor or Healthline to arrange an assessment, to avoid putting anyone else at risk.
• Anyone who thinks they have been exposed to measles or is exhibiting symptoms, should not go to the ED or after hours' clinic or general practitioner. Instead, call your GP any time, 24/7 for free health advice.
• For more information or advice on measles, please call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or see the Ministry of Health's measles page.
