“People who travelled on those two flights and sat in seats near the infectious person are considered at particularly high risk, and need to contact Healthline urgently if they meet the criteria outlined in the locations of interest information,” a Te Whatu Ora spokesperson said.
Any non-immune close contacts from these flights will need to quarantine from Sunday (for the international flight) or Monday (for the domestic flight).
National Public Health Service (NPHS) clinical lead William Rainger said: “While most close contacts from the flights have already been contacted by NPHS staff, there are still a number of people we haven’t been able to reach and are very keen to hear from”.
He said this was to ensure that close contacts who need to quarantine are provided with the information and support they need – and to ensure that any infection doesn’t spread further.
“Young babies, pregnant people and people with conditions that affect their immune system can become very unwell with measles.
“If you are a close contact in any of these groups, please get in touch with Healthline on 0800 611 116 as soon as possible so that further free advice and public health support can be provided,” Rainger said.
People are considered immune to measles if they have received two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, have had measles previously, or lived in New Zealand before 1969.
You can find out if you’re immune on Find out if you need a measles vaccine.
Measles is highly contagious and can be a very serious illness. It can affect adults as well as children who are not immunised.
“We also again remind people to be up to date with their measles immunisations. If you are unsure whether you have had one or two doses of MMR, for most people it’s safe to get vaccinated again.
“However, if you are pregnant or have a health condition meaning you have a weakened immune system, please speak to your healthcare provider before getting vaccinated as it may not be appropriate,” Rainger said.
Measles signs and symptoms
- It usually takes 10-12 days from exposure to the first symptom.
- The illness begins with fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (inflammation in the eyes), which lasts for 2-4 days.
- It may be possible to see small white spots (Koplik spots) inside the mouth.
- A rash appears 2 to 4 days after the first symptoms, beginning at the hairline and gradually spreading down the body to the arms and legs. The rash lasts for up to one week.
