Three new cases of measles have been reported in Manawatū and Nelson today, including two children.
In a statement, Health New Zealand said he was dealing with an "escalating national risk of measles" following confirmation of the new cases.
These new cases – two in the Manawatū and one in Nelson – follow another case in Auckland confirmed yesterday, bringing the total number of measles cases nationally to four.
Locations of interest that the Nelson case and Manawatū cases visited while infectious are being investigated, and will be published online on the Health NZ website here.
National Public Health Service public health medicine specialist Dr Sharon Sime said measles was highly contagious and can cause serious and potentially long-term health problems.
Sime said there could be more cases and Health NZ was exploring the possibility of undetected community transmission.
"These latest cases mean Aotearoa New Zealand is facing an escalating risk of measles outbreaks across the motu," Sime said.
"That's why it's essential that people in these regions – particularly those who have visited any of the published locations of interest – remain vigilant for measles symptoms, and if they start to feel unwell, to stay home and seek healthcare advice."
Sime said all the recent cases highlighted the importance of getting immunised.
"The best protection is to make sure you are up to date with two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine after 12 months of age. It's never too late to get a vaccination no matter your age, and immunisations are free for most people in Aotearora New Zealand.
"Measles is also circulating in many countries, so we urge all travellers to check their vaccination status before travelling and get an MMR vaccine if needed, at least two weeks before travel. It is not harmful to have additional MMR vaccinations if they are unsure."
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