Wellington measles: Warning for community as fourth case confirmed

A fourth case of measles has been confirmed in Wellington. Photo / US CDC

A fourth case of highly infectious measles has been confirmed in Wellington.

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora warns it is likely measles is circulating in the community.

Health New Zealand’s National Public Health Service (NPHS) team say they are supporting the person involved and continue to investigate the links between all known cases, and are working to trace all contacts.

The last case of measles in Wellington was confirmed on May 4, linked to an earlier case who visited Mediterranean Foods Trattoria & Deli in Newtown while infectious.

Health experts say anyone who develops measles symptoms should stay at home, and call their healthcare provider or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice.

Symptoms of measles include:

• A runny nose, fever, cough, sore watery pink eyes (conjunctivitis) and a rash that develops a few days after fever.
• Fever (higher than 38C) is still present at the time of rash onset.
• A rash, beginning on the face and gradually spreading down the body to the arms and legs.
• The rash lasts for up to one week.

If seeking medical care from a GP or medical centre, call the centre first if you are experiencing any of these symptoms so you know what to do on arrival to prevent measles spreading.

NPHS Public Health Medicine Specialist Dr Emma Sherwood said: “Measles is a serious illness which can have a significant impact on anyone who becomes infected, but especially children not yet old enough to be vaccinated, and the immune compromised”.

The vaccine is free in New Zealand for all children under 18, regardless of immigration status, and for adults 18 years old and over who are eligible for publicly funded healthcare, which includes all citizens and permanent residents.