Nine cases of measles confirmed in Auckland

Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) has been notified of five new cases of measles, with the majority being close contacts of an existing case.

Medical Officer of Health Dr William Rainger says last week’s total of four cases of measles has risen to nine, but four of the five new cases are household contacts.

There is one new case which isn’t linked to an existing case, a woman in her forties from Rodney. This person is now in isolation, but she was infectious when she went to the Countdown supermarket in Silverdale on Monday 18 March at 10am, the Countdown at Orewa at 11am and Oliver’s Cafe in Orewa at midday and the Four Square in Parakai at 4.30pm on Wednesday March 20.

Anyone unvaccinated who was at one of these locations around these times or in the following hour may have been exposed to the virus. They should watch out for a fever, especially with a runny nose, cough or red eyes. A rash starts on the face a few days later, moving down the body.

"Please consult your general practice if you think you have been exposed to measles, or that you may have it, but phone first.

"ARPHS is tracing all household, work, social and other contacts of these cases to check their immunity, discuss quarantine and monitor the appearance of any symptoms, following standard public health procedures.

"We have had nine cases of measles in Auckland this year. We are asking people to look out for symptoms and check their vaccination status with their doctor," Dr Rainger says.

The symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, sore red eyes and white spots inside the mouth. After three to five days a rash appears on the face and then moves down the body.

For more information or advice on measles, please call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or see the Auckland Regional Public Health Service website.

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