Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease. It can cause serious problems, including
brain swelling, chest infections, or death. The measles vaccine is very effective at preventing
measles.

An adult in Auckland has been confirmed as having measles, following recent overseas travel.
Locations of interest have been identified on Waiheke Island between 5 and 11 November.

Symptoms of measles
Measles symptoms can start 7 to 18 days after you are exposed to the virus. The symptoms
usually start within 10 days.

The first symptoms of measles are:

• fever
• cough
• runny nose
• sore red eyes.

If you have measles symptoms you should seek medical advice urgently. Call your healthcare
provider or ring Healthline for free anytime on 0800 611 116

Aotearoa New Zealand is at very high risk of a measles outbreak. Of all diseases, measles is one
of the most dangerous and contagious. It is so infectious that you are very likely to catch it and
pass it on to others if:

• you are not immunised, and
• you come into contact with someone who has measles.

Measles can spread very easily among people who are not protected (immune) from the virus.
This is anyone who has not already had 2 doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
vaccine, or who has not had measles before.

If you were born after 1 January 1969, you must have evidence of your immunity (2x MMR
vaccinations, or evidence of having had the disease)