Measles

Prodrome, can include:

• fever (above 38°C)
• cough
• coryza
• conjunctivitis.

Day 3 to 7 of illness

A generalised maculopapular rash, starting on the head and neck and then spreading to the rest of the body.

Notify the Medical Officer of Health as soon as you suspect measles – do not wait for a laboratory confirmation.

Post-exposure MMR vaccination and exclusion

Measles patients are infectious from four days before the rash appears until four days after the rash appears (counting the day of rash onset as day 0).

Implement Infection Prevention and Control measures, for example:

• identify suitable triage and isolation areas for suspect measles cases
• allow only immune staff to have contact with the patient
• use appropriate personal protective equipment.

Be prepared for suspected measles cases who may not have called ahead, for example, by placing signs, hand gels and surgical masks at waiting room entrances or reception desks.

Find more information about immunisation on the NZ immunisations website

Offer measles vaccinations to those who are not fully immunised. People born before 1 January 1969 are considered immune. People born after 1 January 1969 require 2 measles vaccinations to be fully immunised.

MMR vaccinations are scheduled at 12 months and 15 months.

The vaccinations are free for New Zealand residents and contacts of cases.

Vaccination is particularly important for those planning to travel overseas – to protect them and prevent outbreaks in New Zealand.

Infants 6 months and over can be given MMR early if necessary.

Advice for travellers is available on the Safe Travel website.

Te Whatu Ora has developed printable and shareable resources for primary care, after-hours clinics and emergency departments, businesses and community groups.

For information for the public on measles, go to the YourHealth consumer section.

For information on immunisation go to our immunise pages.