Photo: AFP / nobeastsofierce / Science Photo Library
A new measles case has been found in the Bay of Islands, Northland, Te Whatu Ora says.
The case was notified to public health services on Thursday and is likely linked to overseas travel, it says.
The person is no longer infectious.
"There are currently six other individuals associated with the confirmed case who are being assessed for measles infection. The six individuals being assessed were identified as part of initial contact tracing efforts."
Close contacts and possible exposure locations are still being identified.
Te Whatu Ora strongly urges everyone in the Bay of Islands to watch out for measles symptoms. Anyone who feels unwell is asked to stay at home and seek health advice.
"Measles is a serious and highly infectious illness which can affect adults as well as children and babies."
What are the symptoms?
Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known, infecting children as well as adults via coughing, sneezing or talking. It is not known to affect any other species.
People who come into contact with the disease who are not immune through vaccination or previous infection are about 90 percent likely to become infected.
Read Health NZ's advice on measles.
Symptoms include fever, coughing, having a runny nose and watery 'pink' eyes, and sometimes small white spots on the back inner cheek. They start between seven and 18 days after exposure.
Another three to seven days later, usually about 14 days, a blotchy rash which can last up to a week tends to start on the face and head before spreading down the body.
Symptoms can last for about two weeks in total.
People with the disease are infectious about five days before and after the rash appears.
Immunisation clinics
Immunisation clinics are taking place on Saturday 27 September at the following Northland locations:
- Health New Zealand clinic, 16 Commerce Street, Whangārei, 8.30am-3.30pm.
- Te Ara Tū o Ngāti Hine, Bay of Islands Hospital, Kawakawa, 10am-2pm.
- Ngāti Hine Health Trust, 5 Walton Street, Whangārei, 10am-2pm.
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