29 August 2019, 1:20 AM
Southern DHB/Public Health South has been notified that a second Queenstown resident has been confirmed as having measles.
Public Health staff are conducting a contact investigation and recommending vaccination to anyone who may have been exposed or is not fully protected in order to reduce the likelihood of further cases.
The Queenstown resident who is an adult is no longer infectious. However, they visited several locations in Queenstown before they were aware they were ill:
“While infectious the case has had contact with a significant number of people in Queenstown,” Public Health Physician, Dr Anura Jayasinghe said.
“The measles virus spreads easily via infectious droplets from person to person through the air via breathing, coughing and sneezing. It usually takes ten days for someone to develop fever, and 14 days to develop a rash. 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. Pregnant women, immunocompromised people, and people who have not had two MMRs should be especially vigilant.”
"We're asking people who haven't been immunised and who may have been in contact with the case 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.
Anyone with measles needs to be isolated from the time they become ill until 5 days after the rash has appeared. Isolation means staying at home and missing out on things like school, work, sporting competitions and social events.
Public Health South urges anyone who may have been in locations listed above during the specified period who is not sure if they are immune to measles to check their immunity to measles. The best way to do this is to look at the immunisation page in your Well Child book (you may have to ask your parents to do this for you). If this is lost, try checking with the Practice Nurse at your regular General Practice, who often keep records of immunisations – even those done at previous practices.
Dr Jayasinghe continues: “Although it’s important to get vaccines on time, every time, it's never too late. If you need more information on immunisation contact your family doctor.”
For more information on measles please visit the Ministry of Health website.
What you need to know:
Measles
What you need to know: