Measles alert in Rotorua

Bay of Plenty medical officer of health, Dr Phil Shoemack, has issued a measles alert for throse that visited three Rotorua locations last week.

Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service has advised that people who visited the following Rotorua locations on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 April may have been exposed to measles.

Skyline Gondola ride between 11am and 2.15pm on 19 April

Skyline Gondola Restaurant between 11.30am and 2pm on 19 April

Devonwood Motel from 4pm on 18 April to 10am on 19 April

"We can confirm that an individual who has now been diagnosed with measles visited these locations on the 18 and 19 April 2014," Medical Officer of Health Dr Phil Shoemack said.

"Unfortunately, this person would have been infectious at the time of their visit to Rotorua."

It can take 10-14 days for someone who has caught measles to start showing any symptoms. Anyone who may have caught measles from the infected person will start to feel unwell by Tuesday April 29, at the latest.

"Patrons who sat close to the case in the Skyline Gondola Restaurant have the highest risk and are our first priority," Dr Shoemack said.

"They will be contacted by their local public health service. However because measles is an infectious, airborne disease, we want all possible contacts to be vigilant."

Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash that starts on the face and neck before spreading elsewhere.

Anyone who visited these locations on these dates and who feel unwell should phone their GP or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice.

It is vitally important to call first before seeing a doctor because measles is highly infectious, and people with measles can infect others in the waiting room.

Measles is a serious illness and there is no treatment, Dr Shoemack said.

"The only way to avoid catching measles is to have had two measles vaccines after your first birthday. Please check with your GP to see if you and your family are protected."