Australian measles case prompts caution in New Zealand

A case of measles in Melbourne reported at the end of January is prompting a caution in New Zealand as passengers on the same flight may have been exposed.

Health agencies are asking anyone on an international flight from Abu Dhabi to Melbourne arriving at 6am on 28 January, and who then flew on to New Zealand and has not yet been contacted by New Zealand health officials, to contact Healthline.

The call follows confirmation of a case of measles in Australia linked to the flight. The person with measles remains in Australia.

Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora and Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora say there are no reported cases of measles in New Zealand.

As a result of a warning alert from the Australian Health authorities on Thursday evening, 36 travellers thought to be most at risk from potential exposure have now been contacted and advised of precautions to limit the risk of spread of measles.

The National Public Health Service within Te Whatu Ora has made the calls to check immunity, offer vaccination where appropriate, and to also advise on a short period of quarantine where this is recommended.

More information, including the flight details, are here