Measles: Flight passengers told to be wary of symptoms

Passengers are being told to be wary of measles symptoms after two confirmed cases on flights to Auckland and Wellington.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service said a person with the contagious disease was on Emirates flight EK450 from Bali which landed in Auckland at 4.20am last Thursday.

People seated in economy class near the back of the plane and those at airport arrivals about the same time may be at risk if not immune, it said.

Clinical director Jula Peters said the person wasn't aware they had measles when travelling, but went into isolation as soon as they returned.

"My understanding is the person started to develop those initial symptoms while they were on holiday," Dr Peters said.

"They only developed the rash as they were returning to New Zealand, so like many people they would have thought those initial symptoms of a cough and running nose and sore eyes could be any type of viral illness not being aware that they were getting the measles."

Another case of measles was also confirmed yesterday when an infected person visited Auckland and Wellington on a Jetstar flight - JQ263 - on 1 July.

The Wellington Regional Public Health Service said that the person also visited a central Wellington cafe, Midnight Espresso, the following day between 4pm and 9pm.

Those who may have been exposed and are unsure if they're immune and been to those locations or who start developing symptoms are being told to call their doctor or call Healthline.

The case had fallen in a "busy couple of weeks" for ARPHS, Dr Peters said, with the number of confirmed cases in Auckland jumping to 168.

"It's a high figure, we've definitely got an outbreak throughout New Zealand but we've got a particularly serious one in Auckland."

A lot of the recent cases had been in South Auckland, however, she said the virus was across the region.

"Measles is in the community, as we can see, and it can be spread at any time. My message to Aucklanders is that they should ensure their children are vaccinated at 12 months and four years.

"Anyone under 50 years of age who is unsure whether they are immune to measles should speak with their general practice regarding vaccinated.

"Being vaccinated against measles is really the only mechanism we have now that will bring this outbreak to a conclusion."

Measles facts:

• Measles is a highly infectious viral illness spread by contact with respiratory secretions through coughing and sneezing.
• People are infectious from five days before the onset of the rash to five days after the rash starts.
• Infected persons should stay in isolation - staying home from school or work - during this time.
• The best protection from measles is to have two MMR vaccinations. MMR is available from your family practice and is free to eligible persons.
• People are considered immune if they have received two doses of MMR vaccine, have had a measles illness previously, or were born before 1969.
• Anyone believing they have been exposed to measles or exhibiting symptoms, should not go to the ED or after hours' clinic or general practitioner. Instead, call the GP first.