Auckland's measles outbreak has spread to the capital, and
Dunedin could be next in line.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Stephen Palmer said a Victoria
University student became infected after close contact with
an infected passenger who flew from Auckland to Wellington
earlier this month.
"The student was not on the flight but was a close contact of
the infected passenger while they were in Wellington,'' Dr
Palmer said.
In Auckland, 179 people have been confirmed with measles
since May 30, with 11 in the past week. Twenty-six people
have been admitted to hospital there.
Dr Palmer said Regional Public Health was working with
Victoria University's student health services to identify
anyone who could have been infected by the student.
"All students who attend the same classes as the infected
student have been sent an email advising them of the case,''
he said.
"Public health nurses are at the university today following
up with contacts who may not be immune to measles, and any
contact identified as not being immune will be asked to
remain at home in isolation until 7 October.''
The student travelled to and from Dunedin while infectious,
flying Air New Zealand flight NZ5049 to the southern city at
8.50am on September 24 and returning at 12.30pm on September
26.
Anyone who travelled on these flights should check their
immune status and, if in doubt, contact their doctor, Dr
Palmer said.
"Public Health South is carrying out contact tracing in
Dunedin,'' he said.
The first symptoms of the disease include fever, runny nose
and sore red eyes. After a few days, a red blotchy rash
appears, which lasts for up to a week. The rash usually
starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection which easily
spreads by breathing, coughing and sneezing.
"If you suspect you have measles it is important you stay
away from school, work or other social activities to reduce
the risk of spreading the disease,'' Dr Palmer said.
"If people have symptoms of measles they should also phone
ahead before visiting a doctor to minimise the spread of
infection to others in the waiting room.''
On average, one in 10 people with measles requires hospital
treatment.
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