Measles in Wellington

The National Public Health Service (NPHS) is alerting the public to a measles case that travelled to Wellington, who visited a number of venues and travelled on public transport.

Measles is a serious and highly infectious illness which can affect adults as well as children and babies.

Watch out for symptoms

• The National Public Health Service (NPHS) is urging anyone who lives in or visited the Wellington area to watch out for measles symptoms.
• If you develop symptoms stay at home and contact your healthcare provider, or call Healthline for free anytime on 0800 611 116.
• If you need to visit a health clinic, call first so they can take precautions to prevent measles spreading, and wear a mask.

Measles symptoms

• Symptoms include a runny nose, fever, cough, sore watery pink eyes (conjunctivitis), and a rash that develops a few days after the fever.
• The fever is still present and high (at least 38 C) at the time the rash first appears.

Check locations of interest

• Locations of interest are places a person with measles visited while infectious.
• If you were at any of these locations at the dates and times listed, follow the advice provided.

Check Locations of Interest

Check if you are protected against measles

• Now is a good time to check if you and your whānau are immune to measles:

Checking measles immunity

• Getting immunised with 2 doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine (after the age of 12 months) is the best form of protection against measles. Extra MMR doses are safe for most people unless you are pregnant or immuno-compromised. Discuss with your vaccinator or other trusted health service.
• The MMR vaccine is free in Aotearoa New Zealand for anyone under 18 years old, and for people who are eligible for free healthcare.
• You can book a vaccination appointment with a pharmacy, your doctor, nurse, Hauora Māori provider or Pacific health provider.

Find vaccination sites in your area

• Free drop-in clinics are also available in the Wellington region.

Wellington, Hutt and Kapiti immunisation clinics

• A free Vaccination Helpline is available Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm on 0800 28 29 26.

More information

Information about measles