Warning after man with measles visits Christchurch Hospital's emergency department

An ill man who visited Christchurch Hospital's emergency department on Sunday has been confirmed as having the measles virus. Photo / File

A warning has been issued after a man with the measles went to Christchurch Hospital's emergency department.

The Canterbury District Health Board's Community and Public Health team today warned patients and visitors to the hospital's emergency department on Sunday who were not fully vaccinated to contact their doctor and get vaccinated urgently.

A 30-year-old man was in the Emergency Department on Sunday, January 28 and has since been confirmed as having the measles virus.

Staff who were in the area at the time are also being notified.

People born before 1969 are considered immune and need not get vaccinated.

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Alistair Humphrey said measles was highly infectious.

"The measles virus spreads easily from person to person through the air, via breathing, coughing and sneezing. It starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat. This is followed by a rash that spreads over the body. Complications include pneumonia, inflammation of the brain and damage to the eyes."

It could take up to three weeks for symptoms to appear, and people who were in the Emergency Department after 1pm on Sunday 28 January were being urged to phone their own family doctor or general practice team if they were concerned.

If it's after-hours a nurse would answer the call and advise what to do and where to go if you need to be seen.

"Measles cannot be treated once you get it so the only way to protect yourself is to be fully vaccinated," Humphrey said. "People are only considered immune if they have received two doses of MMR vaccine and/or have had a measles illness previously and/or were born before 1969."