Measles: Locations of interest in Aotearoa New Zealand
We are starting to see more measles in Aotearoa. Get the latest information about locations where you may be at risk, and how to protect yourself.
Locations of interest — what this means
A location of interest is a place a person with measles visited.
A location of interest is a place a person with measles visited.
A location of interest is only listed on this page if public health teams have not been able to identify everyone else who was present at the place at the same time.
Public health will assess each location as a ‘close’ or ‘casual’ contact location to determine the risk of developing measles for those who were present. People who were present at a close contact location of interest are at a higher risk of developing measles than people who were at a casual contact exposure event.
It is important public health finds all people who are at an increased risk of measles through being at the locations on the dates / times specified, to provide them with any support needed and to help reduce the chance of measles spreading widely in the community.
Current locations of interest
There are currently no locations of interest. If this changes, Health New Zealand will communicate this widely with the public and health sector.
Advice for close contacts
Complete all the steps outlined below to best protect yourself and others from measles.
1
Contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 urgently
- If you have not been contacted by the public health service, contact Healthline urgently on 0800 611 116. This is free. Healthline will make sure public health staff contact you to check your immunity and provide information and advice.
- If you are pregnant or have a medical condition that has affected your immune system, let Healthline know.
2
Check the quarantine dates for the location you were at
If the quarantine date has already started, stay at home or wherever you are staying. Do not go to school or work until you have been contacted by the public health service — they will let you know what to do.
3
Monitor for measles symptoms until the date in the table
- Measles symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose, sore and watery pink eyes and then a rash - Symptoms of measles (internal link)
- At any time, if you develop symptoms of measles, contact your healthcare provider or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
- Before going to a healthcare facility seeking care, call first and tell the healthcare professional that you have been in close contact with a person with measles. This will help them take steps to keep others safe. If you need an in-person appointment, wear a well-fitting mask to protect others.
4
Check if you are immune to measles
When public health contacts you, they will ask for evidence of your measles immunity. It will be helpful if you can find out this information before public health contact you.
Information on how to check if you are immune to measles and what evidence is needed is available here - Where to find medical records to check your immunity (internal link)
Advice for casual contacts
Complete all the steps outlined below to best protect yourself and others from measles.
1
Monitor for measles symptoms until the date listed in the table
- Measles symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose, sore and watery pink eyes and then a rash - Symptoms of measles (internal link)
- At any time, if you develop symptoms of measles contact your healthcare provider or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
- Before going to a healthcare facility seeking care, call first and tell the healthcare professional that you may have been in contact with a person with measles. This will help them take steps to keep other people safe. If you need an in-person appointment, wear a well-fitting mask to protect others.
2
Check if you are immune to measles
Information on how to check if you are immune to measles is available here - Where to find medical records to check your immunity (internal link)
If you are not immune, or you do not know if you are immune to measles, get immunised.
- Get immunised unless you are pregnant or you have a condition that affects your immune system.
- You will need to receive 2 MMR vaccines at least one month apart to be fully protected.
- It is safe to have another MMR vaccine even if it is possible you are already immune to measles.
Find out more about where you can get immunised (internal link)
If you are pregnant, or have a condition that affects your immune system
Talk to your doctor, lead maternity carer or other healthcare provider.
- If you are pregnant, you cannot have the measles vaccine until after your pēpi is born.
- If you have a condition, or are taking medication, that could affect your immune system, you may need to delay getting a measles vaccine.