New measles case confirmed in Queenstown

From Health NZ:

"Today we are confirming two new cases of measles, one in Queenstown and one in Auckland. Both are linked to known exposures. The number of known measles cases nationally is now 30, of whom 22 are no longer infectious.   

  We have identified several new locations of interest in various regions, including two Bluebridge Connemara ferry sailings on Sunday 30 November. These sailings were from Wellington to Picton between 8:15am and11:45am, and a return journey from Picton to Wellington between 2:15pm and 6:30pm. There is also the RÜFÜS DU SOL concert at Western Springs Stadium on Saturday 29 November. 

We are working with Bluebridge to contact ferry passengers and with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the operator of Western Springs Stadium, and the event promoters to alert attendees. 

There have also been a number of new LOIs in Wellington and a number of shopping malls in Auckland have also been listed. 

Our Locations of interest  page has been updated to reflect the latest information and will continue to be added to as new locations are determined.  We encourage people to check the page and follow the advice for close or casual contacts, and to monitor for symptoms of measles.  

With retailers, events, travel providers and airports all identified as recent locations where people could have been exposed to measles, we continue to urge everyone – especially people travelling, or attending busy public places or large events – to protect themselves and others as we head into the busy holiday season. 

This means anyone who develops symptoms of measles, including runny nose, fever, cough, and sore red eyes, and a rash starting at the face, should stay home, and contact Healthline on 0800 611 116, or their usual healthcare provider. Please call ahead before visiting a healthcare provider, this allows them to take steps to prevent the illness spreading. 

We also encourage people to check their immunisation status and get their MMR vaccination if they have not already had two documented doses of the vaccine, or can’t show that they’ve had measles before.  

Measles can have a long incubation period and is highly contagious, so anyone planning to travel, either internationally or within New Zealand, is strongly encouraged to check their immunisation status and get vaccinated if needed.   

Get protected before you travel over the holiday period   

  Health NZ is reminding anyone with overseas travel plans over the holiday period to check their immunisation status and to catch up on any missed MMR vaccination as soon as possible before leaving New Zealand.  

  Two doses of the MMR vaccine (after the age of 12 months) protect about 99 per cent of people from getting measles.   

  Some countries may require proof of immunisation, please check the SafeTravel website for more information, here: SafeTravel  

  Allow time before you travel               

  It can take two weeks to develop immunity after a dose of the MMR vaccination and two MMR doses (after the age of 12 months) at least a month apart is required for full immunity.  

  Monitor for symptoms  

 Health New Zealand is reminding people who have recently returned from overseas travel or have whānau visiting from abroad to monitor for measles symptoms and follow public health advice.  "

Measles cases by region as of Friday 5 December 1pm   

*Indicates change in the past 24 hours