A measles alert has been issued by both the Auckland and Wellington regional public health services to passengers on two Auckland-bound flights after passengers onboard each of the flights were found to be infectious with measles.
Flight details:
- Air NZ flight NZ1, which left Los Angeles on Thursday, August 15 at 9.40pm and arrived in Auckland at 5.30am on Saturday, August 17
- Air NZ flight NZ416, which flew from Wellington to Auckland on Saturday, August 17, departing at 9.45am
Medical Officer of Health Dr Craig Thornley says its not just fellow passengers, but anyone who was in the terminals around the time of the flights that should also be watching for signs of measles.
Symptoms include a fever, runny nose, cough, sore red eyes and then a rash.
"There is some risk that other passengers may contract measles if they are not immune. We would ask that anyone on this flight checks their medical records if they are under 50 years to see if they have had a least one MMR vaccination, or have had the measles previously, making them immune," Dr Maria Poynter said.
Any passengers from either flight who are feeling unwell should contact their doctor or call Healthline for advice.
"If you feel unwell, please don't just turn up. It is important to call first, because measles is highly infectious and you could infect others in the waiting room," Dr Poynter says.
Healthline's number is 0800 611 116.
Newshub.
