Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be life threatening. Measles is caused by a virus and is easily preventable with immunisation.
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Vaccination is the best way to prevent getting measles. It’s free for people born after 1 January 1969. Vaccination is particularly important if you are planning to travel overseas – to protect yourself and to help prevent outbreaks in New Zealand.
The illness starts around 10 days after you’ve been exposed, but the range can be 7-13 days from exposure.
A blotchy rash which tends to start on your face, behind the ears, before moving down your body. The rash lasts for up to a week.
If you think that you or a whānau member has symptoms of measles, it is important you ring your general practice or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 (available for free 24 hours, 7 days a week), for advice as soon as possible.
It’s important to call before visiting your doctor because measles is easily passed on from one person to another. Phoning ahead helps ensure steps are taken to avoid you spreading measles in the waiting room.
If you or your whānau member is diagnosed with measles you should isolate at home for four days after the rash develops to prevent transmission to other people.
If you or a family member aren’t fully immunised and may have been in contact with someone with measles, you should stay at home and contact a health professional for advice.
View the measles quarantine calculator
Measles makes people feel very unwell. Children can be in bed for up to 5 days and will likely to be too sick to go to school for at least 2 weeks. It is a serious disease that can be life threatening. In the 2019 measles outbreak in New Zealand, more than 30 percent of people infected with measles were admitted to hospital.
Measles can also lead to other complications, including:
Up to 30 percent of people with measles will develop complications – usually children under 5 years old and adults over the age of 20.
Measles during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature labour and low birth-weight babies.
Information on symptoms and complications of measles at IMAC
There is no specific treatment for measles. You can relieve the symptoms by taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve fever and aches, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
If you or a whānau member becomes more unwell, you may need to go to hospital for treatment.
If you think that you or a whānau member has symptoms of measles, it is important you get advice as soon as possible. Contact your general practice or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 (free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
It’s important to call before visiting your doctor because measles is easily passed on from one person to another. Phoning ahead helps ensure steps are taken to avoid you spreading measles in the waiting room.
If you or your whānau member is diagnosed with measles you should isolate at home for four days after the rash develops.
You should also stay away from work, school or public places, to help prevent putting other people at risk. This also applies if you or a family member aren’t fully immunised and may have been in contact with someone with measles.
Measles is one of the world’s most infectious diseases. The best protection against measles is the free measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Getting a measles vaccination >
The brand of MMR vaccine used in New Zealand is Priorix. See the Medsafe website for more information about Priorix (PDF, 52 KB).
Since October 2020 the MMR vaccine has been given at 12 months and 15 months of age.
In outbreak situations, the local Medical Officer of Health can advise that vaccination be given to younger children as follows:
It’s important to be up to date with measles immunisation, even if you’re an adult. By being immunised, you will not only be protecting yourself and your family – you’ll also stop the disease spreading in your community.
Your usual health provider or nurse can provide the vaccinations. You can also ask your community pharmacy as it may provide MMR vaccination for people aged 16-50 years.
Vaccination is particularly important if you are planning to travel overseas – to protect yourself and to help prevent outbreaks in New Zealand.
You shouldn’t get immunised against measles if you:
If you think you have been exposed to measles and are unable to have the vaccine, ask your doctor for advice or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 (free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Pregnant people who think they have measles, or have come in contact with someone with measles, must call their general practice or lead maternity carer as soon as possible. If you were immunised against measles prior to becoming pregnant, you are almost certainly protected.
