Measles: Important Notice

Thursday 22 September 2011

Measles: Important Notice

More domestic airline passengers have been exposed to measles as an outbreak of the disease in the Auckland region continues to spread.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service advises a passenger with measles travelled by air between Auckland and Wellington and may have infected other unimmunised travellers.

The flights were:
• Air New Zealand NZ419 from Auckland to Wellington on Friday, 9 September at 12.30pm
• Air New Zealand NZ428 from Wellington to Auckland on Saturday, 17 September at 2.30pm

Medical Officer of Health Dr Richard Hoskins says “all passengers on the flights should check their immune status immediately.

“If you are in doubt contact your doctor. If you travelled with children it is especially important to check their immune status. Call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice or check your child’s Well Child/Tamariki Ora Health book.”

Measles is a highly infectious and serious disease spread by coughing and sneezing. The only protection against measles is immunisation. The latest Auckland outbreak began on 30 May, 2011 and the number of cases is continuing to rise.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service can confirm:
• 167 confirmed cases of measles in the Auckland region since May 30, 2011 as of this morning.
• 27 contacts are currently in quarantine
• 24 cases have required hospitalisation during this outbreak

Symptoms of measles include a fever, runny or blocked nose, cough, sore red eyes and white spots inside the mouth.

“Anyone with any signs or symptoms of measles should stay home and call their doctor. Do not go to work or school and stay away from public places and social gatherings” Dr Hoskins says.

“People in Auckland need to be sure they and their close friends and family members are protected against measles. It is never too late to be immunised.”

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service has previously advised of other flights which carried passengers who were later confirmed as having measles. They are:

• Jetstar JQ263, Auckland to Wellington, Monday September 12, 6.40am
• Air New Zealand NZ464, Wellington to Auckland, Monday September 12, 5.30pm
• Jeststar JQ265, Auckland to Wellington, Tuesday September 13, 10.30am
• Air New Zealand NZ446, Wellington to Auckland, Thursday September 15, 3pm
• Jetstar JQ244, Christchurch to Auckland, Sunday, September 18, 7.10am

For further information see www.arphs.govt.nz/notifiable/measles.asp or phone Healthline 0800 611 116

ENDS

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