Measles: Know the symptoms

As cases of measles continue to rise, and the government launch their nationwide Measles Immunisation Week campaign, we all need to look after ourselves and each other.

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that can be life-threatening. Up to 30% of people with measles will develop complications and some will need to be admitted to hospital.

Know what to watch for

The illness starts around 10 days after you’ve been exposed but the range can be 7 – 13 days.

First symptoms:

• a fever
• a cough
• a runny nose
• sore and watery ‘pink’ eyes.

Next symptoms:

• a blotchy rash which tends to start on the face, behind the ears, before moving down the body (lasts for up to a week).

Act quickly!

If you think that you or any of your mates or whānau have measles symptoms:

• Ring your doctor, or
• Freephone Healthline 0800 611 116 (24 hours, 7 days).

IMPORTANT: You need to call before visiting the doctor to stop the spread of measles.    

If someone is diagnosed with measles, they need to isolate at home for four days after the rash develops to prevent transmission to others.

Protect yourself

Anyone can develop measles and the best preventative protection is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

If you were born between 1969 and 2004, it’s best to check if you’ve been fully immunised.

Everyone in New Zealand aged 12 months or over can get free MMR immunisations.

• Visit www.info.health.nz/measles to check your vaccination status.
• Visit www.bookmyvaccine.health.nz to book an MMR vaccine.
• Call the Vaccination Helpline for advice: 0800 282 926 (Monday – Friday, 8.30am-9.00pm; Saturday – Sunday, 8.30am-2.00pm). 

Getting support

If you need support in any way, please reach out to our support team. It’s what they’re here for.

• Email studentsuccessdn@op.ac.nz
• Freephone 0800 762 786