Measles case in Aotearoa New Zealand

Te Whatu Ora has issued an alert that there is a confirmed measles case in New Zealand. 

Updated 13 October 2023

The 13 October update is available in NZSL external URL

Te Whatu Ora is asking New Zealanders to keep an eye out for measles symptoms and has shared the following information. 

A person with measles spent several days in Wellington and then flew from Wellington to Auckland, Jetstar Flight JQ258, on Tuesday 3 October. 

The first symptoms of measles include: 

  • a fever 
  • cough 
  • runny nose 
  • sore and watery eyes 
  • followed by a blotchy rash 

Measles is a serious and highly contagious illness, which can affect adults and children. Aotearoa New Zealand is at very high risk of a measles outbreak. There is a risk of getting measles if you have not had two vaccinations or have not already had measles.   

More information about measles and the MMR vaccine, including eligibility and alternate formats, can be found on the Te Whatu Ora Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine webpage external URL