Health alerts have been issued in Auckland, New Zealand, following the confirmation of a new measles case linked to overseas travel. Health New Zealand is urging individuals who may have been exposed to check their immunization status and watch for symptoms.

The person with measles was present at several locations during their infectious period, including Woolworths Kelston on May 3 between 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm, the Auckland Downtown Carpark on Custom Street on May 5 between 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm and 11 pm and midnight, and various Fullers360 ferry sailings on May 5. Specific ferry sailings are of concern, with different levels of contact risk depending on the time and whether passengers used the toilets.

Close contacts, defined as those not immune to measles who were at these locations during the specified times, should phone Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice and stay home until they have contacted Healthline. People who used the stairs at the Auckland Downtown Carpark between 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm, or the lifts between 11 pm and midnight, are considered at higher risk. On Fullers360 ferries sailings 5 May, up to 7:40pm, only those who used the toilets on these ferries are close contacts, everyone else should watch for symptoms. All people on Fullers360 ferries sailings 5 May, after 7:40pm, are close contacts.

Measles symptoms include fever, coughing, runny nose, sore red eyes (conjunctivitis), and a rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body. Individuals can check their immunization status on My Health Record (www.my.health.nz) or by calling their healthcare provider or the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26.

Health New Zealand is providing support to both the infected individual and their household, with some members now in quarantine to prevent further spread. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious long-term health consequences, especially for young children.