For urgent after-hours in-person care the nearest clinic is White Cross Ascot, 90 Greenlane East, Remuera, Auckland. Phone 09 520 9555. For emergencies, please call an ambulance 111, or go to Auckland City Hospital, Park Road, Grafton.
Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases known. It spreads easily through the air and can cause serious illness, particularly in young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. New Zealand has seen measles outbreaks in recent years, linked to gaps in immunisation coverage. The good news is that measles is highly preventable through vaccination. This guide explains what measles is, how to recognise it, what to do if you think you have been exposed, and how the free MMR vaccine protects you and your community.
If you think you or your child has measles, do not walk into a clinic or emergency department. Measles is extremely contagious and can spread in a waiting room within minutes. Phone your GP or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 first, so the clinic can arrange to see you safely without putting others at risk.
Measles is a viral infection caused by the measles virus. It is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes, and the virus can linger in a room for up to two hours after that person has left. Because so many people are susceptible if they are not immune, around nine in ten non immune people exposed to the virus will catch it. Measles is a notifiable disease in New Zealand, which means health services track and respond to cases to limit spread.
Measles usually develops in two stages. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, and the illness often feels worse than a common cold.
Measles spreads through airborne droplets and direct contact with nose or throat secretions. It is far more contagious than influenza or most other viruses. A person with measles is infectious from around five days before the rash appears until four days after it appears, which means the virus often spreads before anyone realises it is measles. One infected person can pass measles to 12 to 18 non immune people.
Most people recover from measles, but complications are common and can be serious, especially in young children and adults.
Seek urgent medical advice (phone first) if someone with measles has:
You are considered immune to measles if you have had two documented doses of the MMR vaccine, or a blood test confirms immunity, or you were born before 1969 (people from this era almost always caught measles in childhood and developed natural immunity). If you are unsure of your vaccination history, it is safe to have another MMR dose.
MMR protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Two doses give strong, long lasting protection against measles for almost everyone who receives them. In New Zealand the MMR vaccine is funded and free for anyone who is not already immune, regardless of visa or citizenship status.
Phone your GP for advice if:
A person with measles is infectious from about five days before the rash appears until four days after it appears. This is why measles spreads so easily, since people are contagious before they know they have it. Staying home during this period is important to protect others.
MMR has been used worldwide for decades and has a strong safety record. Most side effects are mild, such as a sore arm, low grade fever, or a brief rash. Serious reactions are very rare. The benefits of protection against measles, mumps, and rubella greatly outweigh the small risk of side effects.
Yes. Adults who are not immune can catch measles, and they often become more unwell than children. Many adults in New Zealand missed one or both MMR doses growing up. If you are unsure of your history, a free catch up dose is available through your GP.
If you had a confirmed case of measles, you are very likely to be immune for life and do not need MMR for measles protection. If you are not certain, having an MMR dose is safe and ensures you are also protected against mumps and rubella.
Measles outbreaks happen when immunisation rates drop below the level needed to stop the virus spreading. When fewer people are vaccinated, the virus can move quickly through a community. Keeping MMR coverage high is the most effective way to prevent outbreaks.
This article provides general health information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. For guidance specific to your situation, see your GP.
CityMed Medical Centre in Auckland CBD can review your immunisation history, provide free MMR catch up doses for those who are not immune, and advise on vaccinations for travel.
If you think you have measles, please phone ahead before visiting so we can see you safely.
Book online at citymed.co.nz or call our reception.
