Measles in New Zealand (Update)

09 May 2016

The media has reported on the measles outbreak in Waikato region in New Zealand, located south of Auckland, in the North Island. A further 15 measles cases have been confirmed and 12 suspected cases are under investigation.

The health authorities have issued an alert advising the general public to ensure that their measles vaccinations are current, following the report that one of the measles cases had attended a festival in Hamilton on 16 April 2016.

Around 5000 individuals had attended the Kapa Haka festival at the Claudelands Event Centre, with 17 groups competing from several areas of the country including: Coromandel, Waikato, Hauraki, Maniapoto and Raukawa.

Advice for Travellers

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-13 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months. 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.