Measles warning in Queenstown

Queenstown residents and passengers on a flight from the resort are being warned they may have been exposed to measles.

An alert has been issued by Southern DHB/Public Health South, saying a person infected with measles travelled on Air New Zealand flight 622 from Queenstown to Auckland on Wednesday, August 7, departing at 2.40pm.

The person may also have been infectious while at the following locations:

* Ramada Remarkable Park, Frankton, Queenstown - Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 August. 
* Frankton Arms Tavern – Evening of Monday, August 5.
* The Bunker and Kappa Japanese Queenstown, Evening of Tuesday, August 6.

SDHB Medical Officer of Health Dr Anura Jayasinghe said anyone not sure if they are immune to measles, and who may have been in contact with the case, should check their status with their GP.

Pregnant women and immuno-compromised people should be especially vigilant, Dr Jayasinghe said.

“It usually takes 10-14 days for someone who has caught measles to develop symptoms. If anyone has been infected at the locations listed, they could start to develop symptoms from as soon as tomorrow. Symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, cough and sore red eyes. A few days later a rash starts on the face and neck, before spreading to the rest of the body.”

"We're asking people who were in these locations to keep a close eye out for these symptoms. If you develop symptoms, stay home and phone your general practice or Healthline (0800 611 116) and let them know that you have potentially been in contact with a confirmed measles case," Dr Jayasinghe said.

The measles virus spreads easily via infectious droplets from person to person through the air, via breathing, coughing and sneezing.

 

 

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