Two new measles cases confirmed, one each in Wellington and Taranaki

Two new cases of measles have been confirmed by Health NZ.

Two more cases of measles have been confirmed today bringing the total number of cases across New Zealand to eight.

One of the cases is in Wellington while the other is in Taranaki, with Health NZ warning that more are likely to show up as the response to the outbreak continues.

Health NZ said several of the current cases are linked to the October 3 exposure event on the Bluebridge Ferry and the risk of further cases, contacts and exposure across the country remains very high.

NZ Public Health medicine specialist Dr Matthew Reid had earlier told RNZ that measles contact tracers found patient zero from the ferry trip, with the individual having infected four people during the journey.

The other cases across New Zealand include one each in Northland and Nelson-Marlborough, while Auckland and Manawatū have two each.

New locations of interest continue to be added to Health NZ’s locations of interest and people are urged to check its website and follow advice given for close and casual contacts.

Anyone who developed measles symptoms has been asked to contact Healthline on 0800611116 urgently for advice.

The symptoms of measles include an illness that begins with high fever, a cough, a runny nose and sore, red eyes as well as a rash that begins on the face and gradually spreads down the body to the arms and legs.

Those feeling unwell are encouraged to stay home over the long weekend and phone ahead to their doctor if they suspect they have symptoms.