Measles in New Zealand (Update)

04 Aug 2014

The measles outbreak in New Zealand is ongoing and spreading to other areas. A second case has been reported in Gisborne and the first case has been confirmed in Northland this week.

In 2014, 265 confirmed measles cases have been reported from the Aukland region, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Hawkes Bay, Taranaki and Wellington. More than 100 cases were reported in the recent outbreak in a high school in Hamilton.

Advice for Travellers

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-15 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months, while unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.