5/11/2025 – Measels is in the community.
“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 highly contagious and can cause serious and potentially long-term health problems. During New Zealand’s measles epidemic in 2019, about one in three people needed hospital care. People should remain vigilant for measles symptoms, and if they start to feel unwell, to stay home and seek healthcare advice.
The first symptoms of measles are similar to other respiratory illnesses, such as a cold, COVID-19 or flu (influenza) which means it can be hard to know you have measles.
Symptoms of measles are:
- fever (a temperature of at least 38°C)
- cough
- runny nose
- sore, red eyes
- rash.
The rash develops 3 to 5 days after the other symptoms. The rash appears as pink or red spots or bumps which start on the face before moving down the rest of the body. The rash may be more difficult to see on darker skin. The rash is not usually itchy. It can last for a week or more.
Measles images — DermNetexternal link
A key feature of measles is that a fever is still present when the rash develops.
Measles symptoms usually start within 10 to 14 days after you are first exposed to the virus. They can start anytime between 7 to 21 days.
If you suspect you may have measles, please phone ahead before visiting your doctor and do NOT enter the practice, so we can take precautions to prevent measles spreading.
You can also call Healthline for free anytime on 0800 611 116 for information and advice.
Keep updated on the published locations of interest: Measles: Locations of interest in Aotearoa New Zealand(external link)