New Measles Cases Emerge in Auckland Following International Travel
Recent Measles Cases in Auckland
Wellington, Feb 24: Two additional cases of measles have been identified in Auckland, both linked to international travel and originating from the same household. This comes just three weeks after New Zealand officially declared the end of a previous outbreak.
Health authorities have identified several locations of concern, including Singapore Airlines flight SQ281, which landed in Auckland on February 17, Auckland International Airport, and the emergency department waiting area at Waitakere Hospital. This information was shared in a statement by Health New Zealand on Tuesday.
Public health officials are actively tracing contacts, especially those seated close to the infected individuals on the flight. They are advising anyone exhibiting symptoms similar to measles to contact healthcare providers before making an in-person visit.
Although the earlier measles outbreak, which began in September 2025, was declared over earlier this month, health officials warn that the risk remains due to low vaccination rates and ongoing international travel, as reported by a news agency.
Measles is recognized as one of the most contagious diseases globally, transmitted through contact with infected respiratory secretions (such as coughing or sneezing) or by inhaling air that has been contaminated by someone with the virus. The virus can remain active and contagious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, making it highly infectious. One infected individual can potentially lead to 18 secondary infections.
While measles can affect anyone, it is particularly prevalent among children. Vaccination is the most effective method to prevent infection and curb the spread of the virus. The vaccine is safe and enhances the body's ability to combat the virus.
Prior to the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, major outbreaks occurred approximately every two to three years, resulting in an estimated 2.6 million deaths annually.
In 2023, approximately 107,500 individuals, primarily children under five, succumbed to measles, despite the availability of a safe and affordable vaccine.
Symptoms of measles typically manifest 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, with a prominent rash being the most noticeable sign.
Initial symptoms generally last between 4 to 7 days and include a runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots inside the cheeks.
The rash usually appears 7 to 18 days after exposure, starting on the face and upper neck, and spreads over about three days to the hands and feet. It typically lasts 5 to 6 days before fading.