A measles alert has been issued for four locations in Auckland, including the emergency waiting room at Auckland City Hospital.
The emergency department waiting room at Auckland City Hospital is one of four locations listed in the measles alert. Photo: Wiki Commons
Auckland Regional Public Health said one case of the disease had been confirmed.
It issued an alert for anyone who was not immune to measles, was feeling unwell and had visited the following places at the specified times:
- K Road City Travellers Hostel, 8 August - 13 August
- Zarbo Deli and Café, 10 August between 2.30pm and 5pm and 11 August between 9am and 2pm
- Auckland City Doctors waiting room, 9 August between 10am and 1pm
- Auckland City Hospital adult emergency waiting room, 13 August betwen 7am and 1pm
Medical officer of health Michael Hale said people who had visited those locations at those times were likely to have been exposed to the disease.
People who were not immune to measles, or were unsure of their immunity status, should stay home in isolation for two weeks, he said.
"My plea is that people follow medical instructions if they are required to be in isolation.
"People tend to underestimate measles - the reality is it can be a nasty disease causing serious long term health complications."
Measles symptoms normally began appearing a week after exposure, Dr Hale said.
The first symptoms were a fever, and a runny nose, cough or sore, red eyes.
The distinctive measles rash appeared a few days later, starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body, he said.
"People who are feeling unwell and have visited these locations at the times suggested should immediately telephone their doctor or Healthline.
"It is very important to phone in advance because measles is highly infectious and you could infect other people in the medical waiting room."
The illness was infectious before the rash appeared and could be caught very easily, including by walking past someone with measles or by being next to them in a lift, cafe or waiting room.
People were considered immune if they had received two doses of MMR vaccine, or had previously had measles illness, or were born before 1969, Dr Hale said.
People who had only had one dose of MMR vaccine should see their doctor for a free second dose.