Fifth Measles Case Confirmed in Wairarapa, Public Advised to Stay Vigilant

Health officials have confirmed a fifth case of measles in the Wairarapa region, raising concerns about the potential for further spread. The case is linked to a family that recently returned from overseas, highlighting the importance of vaccination and public awareness.

The latest case was confirmed by Health NZ, which emphasized that the individual is currently isolating to prevent the spread of the disease. While no new locations of interest have been identified, health authorities are urging residents to remain cautious.

Dr. Craig Thornley, the medical officer of health, stated that the public is not currently at increased risk. However, he warned that the virus could be brought back into the country by travelers who are not fully immunized. This is especially relevant given recent outbreaks in popular travel destinations such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Thailand, and India.

Health NZ has advised people who visited Masterton Pak n’ Save on the mornings of July 1 and 3, or Carterton Library on July 3, to monitor themselves and their families for symptoms of measles. These include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a red rash that typically starts on the face and spreads down the body.

Immunization is a key defense against measles, and Health NZ is encouraging residents to ensure they and their children are fully vaccinated. As of July 14, 81.5% of children aged 1 to 5 in Wairarapa were fully immunized against measles, while about 89% of those aged 6-18 were. However, these numbers still fall short of the 95% needed for herd immunity, which is essential to protect vulnerable members of the community.

"With outbreaks happening in many popular travel destinations, people who have traveled for the school holidays and aren’t fully immunized with the MMR vaccine risk bringing it back into the country," Thornley said. "It’s crucial that everyone, especially those who travel, stays up to date with their vaccinations."

Health officials are also reminding the public that measles is a highly contagious disease and that early detection and isolation are key to preventing further outbreaks. They encourage anyone with symptoms to seek medical attention promptly and to stay home until they are no longer contagious.

As the summer travel season continues, the message from Health NZ is clear: vigilance, vaccination, and community awareness are the best defenses against measles and other preventable diseases.