Second measles case identified in South Island

Public health officials believe a second case of measles confirmed yesterday in Marlborough is linked to the case reported last week in Milford Sound.

The woman in her 20s has been in isolation in Marlborough since Tuesday 20 November and public health officials say it’s unlikely she would have infected anyone.

“The patient was in isolation during the period of infectivity and we are reasonably confident that she would not have passed the virus on to anyone else in that time,” says Dr Susan Jack, Southern DHB, Medical Officer of Health. 

A 30-year-old Milford Sound resident was confirmed as having measles last week. Another close contact of the pair, a man in Te Anau is also suspected of having the illness and has also been in isolation since the initial measles case was diagnosed last Tuesday. 

None of the three patients are thought to have had the measles vaccine.  

Public health agencies from all the South Island DHBs are working together to manage the outbreak. 

Measles is a viral illness spread by contact with respiratory secretions through coughing and sneezing. Unimmunised people exposed to measles first develop a respiratory-type illness with a dry cough, runny nose, temperature over 38.5C and will likely feel very unwell. A rash starts on day 4 or 5 of illness usually on the face and moving down the chest and arms. 

“Measles is a highly-infectious illness. If you think you have symptoms of measles, it is vital that you do not visit your GP office, emergency room or after hours clinic. Instead, please phone your GP practice or Healthline for advice,” says Dr Jack.

“People are infectious from five days before the onset of the rash to five days after the rash starts and should stay in isolation during this time. This means staying home from school or work and having no contact with unimmunised people. 

“If your vaccinations are up-to-date, you will be protected. If you are unsure, you can check your vaccination status with your family doctor or GP.” 

People are considered immune if they have received two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, have had a measles illness previously or were born before 1969. MMR is available from your family practice and is free to eligible persons, although there may be an administration fee.

More information about measles is available at: https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/measles

More information on the New Zealand Immunisation schedule: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/preventative-health-wellness/immunisation/new-zealand-immunisation-schedule

Anyone with these symptoms or who believes they may have been exposed, can contact Healthline 0800 611 116 (free and 24 hours) for additional advice.

 Measles Fact Sheet

• Measles is a highly infectious viral illness spread by contact with respiratory secretions through coughing and sneezing
• Symptoms of measles include:  
  • a respiratory type of illness with dry cough, runny nose, headache
  • Temperature over 38.5 C and feeling very unwell
  • A red blotchy rash starts on day 4 - 5 of the illness usually on the face and moves to the chest and arms.
• People are infectious from five days before the onset of the rash to five days after the rash starts.
• Infected persons should stay in isolation – staying home from school or work - during this time.
• The best protection from measles is to have two MMR vaccinations. MMR is available from your family practice and is free to eligible persons.
• People are considered immune if they have received two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, have had a measles illness previously, or were born before 1969.
• Anyone believing they have been exposed to measles or exhibiting symptoms, should not go to the ED or after hours’ clinic or general practitioner. Instead call your GP or contact Healthline 0800 611 116 (free and 24 hours) for additional advice.