Queenstown Measles: Vigilance Urged After New Case
- Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) has warned of a very high risk of a measles outbreak across the country due to declining immunisation rates.
- recent potential exposure sites in the Central Otago region include:
- These locations represent potential exposure points, and individuals who were present during the specified times should be vigilant for symptoms of measles.
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Measles Outbreak Risk Prompts Vaccination Push in Central Otago and Queenstown
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Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) has warned of a very high risk of a measles outbreak across the country due to declining immunisation rates. the most effective protection against measles is the free measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
recent potential exposure sites in the Central Otago region include:
- ift store Queenstown, thursday 25th September (12.15-1.45pm)
- BP Cromwell,Sunday 21st September (5.30-6.45pm)
- Cromwell Heritage Precinct, Sunday 21st September, (4.15-6.15pm)
- Yara Kebab Cromwell, sunday 21 September, (3-5pm)
These locations represent potential exposure points, and individuals who were present during the specified times should be vigilant for symptoms of measles. Symptoms typically begin with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red, sore eyes, followed by a rash that usually starts on the face and spreads down the body.
Vaccination Options in Central Otago
Several options are available for receiving the MMR vaccine in Central Otago:
Pop-up Clinic in Frankton
A pop-up clinic offering MMR vaccinations will be open at Rees House, Remarkables Park Town Center, 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton on the following dates:
- Monday, October 6th, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Tuesday, October 7th, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
No appointment is necessary; individuals can simply drop in. Appointments can also be booked by calling 03 450 9156.
Central Otago pharmacies
Many pharmacies throughout Central Otago also provide MMR vaccinations. Health New Zealand’s website provides a directory to locate a pharmacy near you offering the vaccine.
Online Vaccination Booking
Individuals can book their MMR vaccination online through the Health New Zealand website: Book your vaccination online.
Understanding the Measles Risk
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can have serious complications, notably for infants, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death. According to the World Health organization (WHO), measles remains a leading cause of vaccine-preventable childhood mortality globally.
The decline in immunisation rates is a significant concern. Coverage rates for the first dose of the MMR vaccine in New Zealand have fallen below the 95% threshold needed to maintain herd immunity, increasing the risk of