Firemen cleared in virus scare

Wanganui firefighters have been cleared of any measles-like symptoms after the Ministry of Health said they could have been exposed to the virus after taking part in the Sky Tower stair challenge a fortnight ago.

Four Wanganui firefighters took part in the fundraising challenge. They included full-time firemen Paul Doughty and Ian Tanner, as well as volunteers Aaron Whitford and Jamie Rickard.

Yesterday Mr Tanner said they were advised last week of the ministry's concerns.

"But we're all as good as gold," he said.

A person who took part in a tower climb at Auckland's Sky City developed measles symptoms after returning to Palmerston North. The event attracted firefighters from around New Zealand and around the globe.

The Health Ministry encouraged people who may have been exposed to a recent case of the measles to remain alert for symptoms. It said people who participated in the charity event, or who stayed at that hotel during the weekend of May 22 to 24, should be aware that they may have been exposed to the measles virus.

Stewart Jessamine, the acting Director of Public Health, said a number of people from many parts of the country were potentially exposed to this highly contagious virus.

"It usually takes 10 - 14 days for someone who has caught measles to start showing any symptoms, so we expect that any secondary cases may start to appear this weekend, Dr Jessamine said.

Measles is highly contagious. The virus from an infected person can stay in the air for up to an hour and infect people, which means people can get infected without having been in direct contact with the case.

Dr Jessamine said anyone suspecting they have measles should call their family doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116, for advice. Unimmunised people who have had contact with a person with measles will normally be advised to stay at home and away from all public places, school or work for 14 days after contact.