Firefighters involved in measles scare

A confirmed case of measles in a participant in last weekend's charity Sky Tower climb has public health officers racing to trace hundreds of people who may have been exposed.

A participant who stayed at SkyCity hotel over the weekend of May 22 to 24 and participated in the Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge developed measles symptoms after returning home to Palmerston North.

The firefighters include several from the Bay of Plenty region, including Te Puke.

However, none had been contacted by the local health authorities so far, Te Puke fire chief Glenn Williams said.

No one from Toi Te Ora Public Health Service could be reached today for comment.

Ministry of Health New Zealand Chief Medical Officer Don Mackie said a large number of people from many parts of the country were potentially exposed, and public health units nationwide had been notified.

"If you are someone who thinks you might have been at risk of exposure, it's important you contact your local public health unit," Dr Mackie said.

"Public health officials are well versed in carrying out what is known as contact tracing, which involves reaching as many people as possible who could have been potentially exposed to measles. They can then be advised about what measures they need to take if they have, or develop measles-like symptoms."

It usually takes 10 to 14 days for someone who has caught measles to show symptoms.

Those who are not immunised and may have been infected will be advised to stay at home for 14 days.

Measles is highly contagious, and can be caught without direct contact as the virus can stay in the air for up to an hour.Dr Mackie said the case showed how important it was to be immunised, and to check your immunisation status if you are unsure.

Anyone who thinks they might have been exposed should phone their GP or Healthline on 0800 611 116 or advice.

It's important not to visit your doctor without calling first to avoid infecting others.

The Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge raises money for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.

The charity's website said 750 people participated in the challenge.

- NZME.