Health New Zealand has confirmed four cases of measles in Northland, including one active case reported on Friday and three historical cases that are no longer infectious.
One of the historical cases had recently travelled to Asia, where measles is circulating, and was considered the likely source of the outbreak.
Four additional individuals linked to the confirmed case are currently being assessed for measles infection. All are in isolation, receiving public health support, and being monitored for symptoms.
Authorities are working swiftly to identify close contacts and ensure those exposed are quarantined to prevent further spread.
Health officials warned there may have been undetected measles transmission in the Bay of Islands community since early September.
"While health staff are actively addressing this issue to reduce further spread of measles, it’s crucial that we identify any new cases as quickly as possible," said national Public Health Service national clinical director Dr Susan Jack.
Symptoms included an illness that begins with high fever (over 38C); cough; runny nose; sore red eyes (conjunctivitis); and a rash, lasting up to one week beginning on the face and gradually spreading down the body to the arms and legs.
Bay of Islands Hospital a location of interest
Multiple exposures had been identified at Bay of Islands Hospital.
Anyone who entered the hospital’s main entrance — including those accessing GP, outpatient, laboratory, X-ray, emergency, and maternity services — during the affected times should monitor for symptoms.
This advisory did not apply to inpatients, Health NZ said.
Ngāti Hine Health Trust said yesterday it would be providing free measles vaccinations for whānau in the mid-north following the confirmation of the case on Friday.
From Monday to Friday next week, vaccinations will also be available at the Te Ara Tū Clinic in Moerewa and the Ngāti Hine Health Trust offices in Kawakawa from 11am until 5pm.
"Ngāti Hine has always stood for the wellbeing of our people. Opening up these clinics is about ensuring that every whānau has access to immunisation services close to home. Mauri ora ki a tātou katoa - we encourage everyone to take this opportunity to protect themselves and their tamariki," trust chief executive Tamati Shepherd-Wipiiti said.
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