07 October 2023, 12:05 AM
Te Whatu Ora has identified key locations of interest in the latest measles case.
The health agency issued an alert for the whole country after a Northland student diagnosed with the disease attended a week-long Shakespeare theatre production at Scots College in Wellington.
Students attending the event then travelled to other parts of the country and the infected student took a Jetstar flight (JQ258) to Auckland on Tuesday.
Te Whatu Ora asked those students to isolate until they have been contacted by public health.
Other key locations of interest include:
National Public Health Service interim clinical lead Dr William Rainger said people who were at locations of interest at the same time as the case should get vaccinated if they were not immune, or were unsure, and watch out for symptoms.
"Those at high risk will be contacted directly by public health in the next few days," Rainger said.
"Northland health staff are working closely with the case and their household, who have been very proactive in helping us trace contacts, and we would like to thank them for their support."
Te Whatu Ora advised people who suspected they had measles is suspected to stay at home and call their healthcare provider or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for more advice.
Measles signs and symptoms
Te Whatu Ora also reminded people to stay up to date with their immunisation.
"If you are unsure whether you have had one or two doses of MMR, for most people it's safe to get vaccinated again," Rainger said.
"However, if you are pregnant or have a health condition meaning you have a weakened immune system, please speak to your health care provider before getting vaccinated as it may not be appropriate."
This story was originally posted on RNZ News