University of Canterbury senior lecturer in epidemiology, Anna Howe, is with us to discuss what you need to know.
Two more measles cases have been confirmed, taking the total number of known cases nationwide to 30, with an Auckland concert being identified as a new location of interest.
Health New Zealand confirmed one new case was in Auckland and the other in Queenstown. Both were linked to known exposures.
Several new locations of interest have been identified, including two Bluebridge Connemara ferry sailings on Sunday, November 30.
These were from Wellington to Picton between 8.15am and 11.45am, and a return journey from Picton to Wellington between 2.15pm and 6.30pm.
The Rüfüs Du Sol concert at Auckland’s Western Springs Stadium on Saturday, November 29, has also been added to Health NZ’s locations of interest.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, which operates Western Springs Stadium, and event promoters have been working with Health NZ to alert those who attended the concert.
Two new measles cases have been confirmed by Health New Zealand.
Other locations of interest have been identified in Wellington, alongside some shopping malls in Auckland.
This follows five new cases of measles being diagnosed across New Zealand on Wednesday, with one of these being in Dunedin, three in Auckland and one in Waikato.
Health NZ said, “With retailers, events, travel providers and airports all identified as recent locations where people could have been exposed to measles, we continue to urge everyone – especially people travelling, or attending busy public places or large events – to protect themselves and others as we head into the busy holiday season."
People who develop measles symptoms, which include a runny nose, fever, cough, sore red eyes, and a rash starting on the face, are encouraged to stay home and contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 or healthcare providers.
Health NZ has also reminded New Zealanders with overseas travel plans to check their immunisation status and catch up on any missed measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations before leaving New Zealand.
“Health New Zealand is reminding people who have recently returned from overseas travel or have whānau visiting from abroad to monitor for measles symptoms and follow public health advice.”
