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Measles

Measles is a serious viral disease. It can make people who aren't protected against it very sick. 

If you are concerned about measles call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or see your doctor or practice nurse.

The best protection against measles is to be vaccinated. If you haven't had two doses of the MMR vaccine contact your doctor to check if you need it. 

Recent measles exposure events Measles quarantine tool

 

For health professionals

 

For the public 

 

Translated materials

Social media graphics and posters on measles preparedness, vaccination and outbreak response are also available from Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora. These are provided in English and multiple other languages.

You usually start to feel unwell 10–14 days after you have caught the virus. Symptoms can include:

  • fever
  • cough
  • runny nose
  • sore and watery pink eyes

At around day three to seven you will get a blotchy rash. This rash first appears on your face and then spreads to your head and body. It can last for up to a week.

People with measles can spread it to others four days before and until four days after their rash appears.

Measles symptoms graphic, showing people with a fever, cough, runny nose, rash (starting on head and neck), and sore and watery pink eyes

Translated measles graphics and posters

If you are concerned about measles and think you have symptoms call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or call your GP. Please do not just turn up to your GP, after hours or emergency department as you could potentially infect others.

Measles is caused by a virus, so antibiotics won’t cure it. If you or your child has measles stay away from others until at least four days after the rash appears. This means not going to daycare, school, work or anywhere there are others you could pass measles onto, and don’t have people visit your home. A health professional will also be in touch to let you know what to do and how to stay safe.

 

 

Measles is a notifiable disease. This means that health professionals or laboratories will inform us when someone has it. This allows us to monitor the number of people who have the disease and give them and health professionals advice on how to reduce the spread of measles. Our team will also speak to the person who has measles about who they have been in close contact with so we can provide those people with advice to help protect themselves and avoid spreading it further.  

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HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

There are specific requirements for notifiable diseases in the Auckland region.

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Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) has been notified of a passenger with measles on two flights between Tonga and Auckland this week.

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Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) has been notified of a passenger with measles on a flight from Samoa to Auckland last week.

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Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) has been notified of a passenger with measles on a flight from Samoa to Auckland last week.

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Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) has been notified of passengers with measles on a flight from Nadi to Auckland last week.

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Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) has been notified of passengers with measles on two flights from Samoa to Auckland last weekend.

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Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) has been notified of a case of measles on a flight from Samoa to Auckland.

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The measles outbreak has led to a high demand for the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine in Auckland.

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Last updated 30.10.2023

For health advice call Healthline for free anytime on 0800 611 116
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