A statement from Health NZ/Te Whatu Ora on measles cases and locations of interest in Wairarapa, including Carterton District Library.
- Full statement at Three measles cases in Wairarapa linked to overseas travel – Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
- Further information: Measles: Locations of interest in Aotearoa New Zealand
Health New Zealand has confirmed three connected cases of measles in Wairarapa, linked to recent overseas travel.
The National Public Health Service (NPHS) is supporting the cases and their close contacts who are isolating to help prevent further spread.
Medical Officer of Health in the Greater Wellington region, Dr Annette Nesdale, says all three confirmed cases had recently travelled overseas where they are thought to have caught the virus, but were not infectious on their return flight to New Zealand.
One of the cases visited two locations during their infectious period, which included Pak’n Save Masterton and the Carterton Library on the following dates:
- Tuesday 1 July: Pak’n Save Masterton, 424 Queen St, Masterton – Between 8.30am to 11am.
- Thursday 3 July: Pak’n Save Masterton, 424 Queen St, Masterton – Between 8.30am to 11am.
- Thursday 3 July: Carterton Library, 50 Holloway St, Carterton – Between 10am to 12.30pm.
Locations of Interest will be updated if or when any further locations are identified, though this is considered unlikely at this stage.
“Anyone who visited either location on the day and times referenced are considered casual contacts and should monitor themselves for symptoms,” Dr Nesdale says.
“We also urge anyone in the region who has recently returned from an overseas trip to be watchful for measles symptoms.”
Measles symptoms include:
- an illness that begins with high fever (over 38 C), cough, runny nose, and sore red eyes (conjunctivitis)
- a rash, beginning on the face and gradually spreading down the body to the arms and legs. The rash lasts for up to one week.
“Measles is a serious and highly infectious illness, which can affect adults as well as children and babies,” Dr Nesdale says. “Please phone ahead before visiting your doctor or healthcare provider so the provider can take precautions to prevent measles spreading.
“Getting immunised with two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine (after the age of 12 months) is the best form of protection against measles.
“This latest case is a timely reminder for everyone to check if you and your whānau are immune to measles.”
The MMR vaccine is free in New Zealand for anyone 18 years or under, and for people who are eligible for free healthcare.