Second confirmed measles case in Queenstown

Southern DHB/Public Health South has been notified that a second Queenstown resident has been confirmed as having measles. 

Public Health staff are conducting a contact investigation and recommending vaccination to anyone who may have been exposed or is not fully protected in order to reduce the likelihood of further cases.

The Queenstown resident who is an adult, is no longer infectious. However, they visited several locations in Queenstown before they were aware they were ill:

• Countdown Frankton, 5.30 - 6.30pm, Saturday 17 August
• Betty’s Liquor store Frankton, 4.00 - 4.30pm, Sunday 18 August
• Frankton McDonalds, 4.30 - 5.00pm, Sunday 18 August
• Public Bus to Lake Hayes, 4.00 – 5.00pm 18 -22 August
• Remarkables Takeaway Shop, 4.30 -5.30pm, Thursday 22 August

“While infectious the case has had contact with a significant number of people in Queenstown,” says Public Health Physician, Dr Anura Jayasinghe.

“The measles virus spreads easily via infectious droplets from person to person through the air via breathing, coughing and sneezing.  It usually takes ten days for someone to develop fever, and 14 days to develop a rash. Symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, cough and sore red eyes. A few days later a rash starts on the face and neck, before spreading to the rest of the body. Pregnant women, immunocompromised people, and people who have not had two MMRs should be especially vigilant.”

"We're asking people who haven't been immunised and who may have been in contact with the case to keep a close eye out for these symptoms. If you develop symptoms, stay home and phone your general practice or Healthline (0800 611 116) and let them know that you have potentially been in contact with a confirmed measles case," said Dr Jayasinghe

Anyone with measles needs to be isolated from the time they become ill until 5 days after the rash has appeared. Isolation means staying at home and missing out on things like school, work, sporting competitions and social events. 

Public Health South urges anyone who may have been in locations listed above during the specified period who is not sure if they are immune to measles to check their immunity to measles. The best way to do this is to look at the immunisation page in your Well Child book (you may have to ask your parents to do this for you). If this is lost, try checking with the Practice Nurse at your regular General Practice, who often keep records of immunisations – even those done at previous practices.

Dr Jayasinghe continues: “Although it’s important to get vaccines on time, every time, it's never too late.  If you need more information on immunisation contact your family doctor.”

For more information on measles please visit the Ministry of Health website.

What you need to know:

 Measles

• Ministry of Health advice is that one dose of MMR or measles vaccine will protect 95% of vaccinated people against measles, so patients who have previously been vaccinated are likely to be protected 
• Two cases measles have been confirmed in Queenstown district.  The first was on 22 August and the second on 28 August. Public Health South is currently following up with those he had been in contact with during his infectious period.

What you need to know:

• People are not at risk if they have had two vaccinations for measles, or were born before 1969 or have had measles
• Ministry of Health advice is that those who have had one vaccination are also considered to have high level of protection (95%)
• People who may have been exposed to measles and have never been vaccinated or had the disease, are being asked to stay in isolation until the incubation period is over
• On time vaccination with MMR for children at ages 15 months and 4 years is the best way to prevent measles. Public Health South's advice is to continue with the usual vaccination schedule at this time
• We encourage those aged 29 – 50 years to find out their vaccination status for measles by contacting their general practice
• MMR is available free from your family health provider
• If you require medical attention because you think you may have measles, please call your GP first who will advise what to do. GPs will take precautions, such as attending to patients in their carparks if needed to prevent avoidable exposure to others
•  Since June 2019 Auckland has been experiencing an outbreak of measles. The Ministry of Health is monitoring the Auckland outbreak closely. People travelling to Auckland, particularly South Auckland, should be immunised against measles before they travel. Normally, the first measles vaccination occurs at 15 months of age. However, babies who are travelling to Auckland or living in Auckland should have their first measles vaccine earlier at 12 months of age. Vaccination should be done at least two weeks before travelling to allow their immunity to develop.