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New measles case linked to overseas travel detected in Queenstown

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 1:19 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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New Zealand faces a fresh measles scare as a second overseas‑linked case emerges in Queenstown

In a stark reminder that measles is still a global threat, the New Zealand Ministry of Health confirmed today that a second case of the highly contagious virus has been identified in the Queenstown area, only four days after the first detection. Both cases are linked to recent overseas travel and are not epidemiologically connected, officials said, underscoring the ongoing risk of importation even in a country that has long been classified as measles‑free.

The two cases in a nutshell

• First case – Detected on March 1, a 30‑year‑old woman who had returned from a week‑long visit to the Philippines. She presented with the classic rash and fever at a local clinic in Queenstown and was immediately isolated. A full diagnostic panel confirmed measles infection, and contact tracing identified several household members and a handful of close contacts who were offered post‑exposure prophylaxis.

• Second case – Confirmed on March 5, a 6‑year‑old boy who had travelled to the United Arab Emirates a month earlier. He was identified after presenting with a rash and sore throat to a primary care doctor in the region. The child had been fully vaccinated according to the national schedule, yet had missed the booster dose that is recommended at 5‑6 years of age. Despite his incomplete record, the virus still managed to take hold.

Both patients were promptly admitted to isolation wards in the Queenstown District Hospital, where they received standard supportive care while awaiting a final laboratory diagnosis. As of the time of reporting, neither had developed complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis, and the health team was optimistic about a full recovery.

Why the vigilance matters

New Zealand has been declared measles‑free by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has a robust national vaccination program that recommends two doses of the MMR (measles‑mumps‑rubella) vaccine, usually given at 12–15 months and 4–6 years of age. Yet the country’s reliance on a highly mobile population and its tourism industry mean that the virus can be re‑introduced at any time.

According to the Ministry of Health’s Measles and Rubella Surveillance Report (updated March 2024), there have been 12 measles cases reported in New Zealand since 2010, all of which were importations. The recent uptick, however, has prompted officials to revisit their outbreak‑response protocols.

“The key to preventing a chain of transmission is rapid isolation and contact tracing,” said Dr. Lisa McGowan, the Ministry’s chief epidemiologist. “Our current case‑count is low, but the virus is highly transmissible, so we cannot afford complacency.”

Public health response

Upon confirmation of the second case, the Ministry of Health activated a Measles Rapid Response Team (MRRT) that includes epidemiologists, laboratory scientists, and field officers. The team is working in close coordination with local health districts to:

1. Identify and isolate contacts – Close household members, school or daycare peers, and anyone who was in the same environment as the patient are being tested and, if necessary, given the MMR vaccine within 72 hours.
2. Enhance vaccination outreach – The Ministry has launched a targeted campaign to encourage catch‑up vaccinations for children aged 6–10 years who may have missed their booster. Community health clinics in Queenstown and surrounding areas are offering free MMR doses on a walk‑in basis.
3. Public education – A series of informational leaflets and social‑media posts are being distributed to explain the signs of measles, the importance of vaccination, and what to do if you suspect exposure.

Additionally, the Ministry is reviewing its Travel Advisory to reflect the current risk landscape. While New Zealand remains open to international tourists, travelers returning from countries with known measles outbreaks—particularly the Philippines, India, Pakistan, and parts of East Africa—are advised to seek vaccination prior to departure and to get screened on arrival.

The broader context

Measles outbreaks are not isolated to New Zealand. In recent months, the United States has reported over 1,300 cases, largely in communities with lower vaccination rates, while Australia has seen a surge in cases across Queensland and New South Wales. The WHO’s latest Measles and Rubella Strategic Plan emphasizes the need for global surveillance and rapid response to contain importations.

New Zealand’s National Immunisation Strategy has set a goal of 95 % coverage for the MMR vaccine series to maintain herd immunity. Recent data from the Ministry indicate that while coverage for the first dose remains above 90 %, there is a slight decline in the second dose uptake, especially among children aged 6–10 years. The current measles detections are seen as a wake‑up call to close this gap.

What residents should know

• If you or your child have not received the MMR vaccine – Contact your local health clinic for a vaccination appointment. The vaccine is free for all New Zealand citizens and residents.
• Symptoms of measles – High fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downwards. If you notice any of these signs, seek medical care promptly.
• If you’ve been exposed – Reach out to the Ministry’s hotline or your GP. Post‑exposure prophylaxis with the MMR vaccine or immunoglobulin can prevent or lessen the severity of the disease.

Looking ahead

The New Zealand Ministry of Health remains committed to its measles elimination goal. While the two recent cases are concerning, the swift response and community collaboration are helping to prevent a larger outbreak. Health officials stress that vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles, and they urge all citizens to ensure their immunisation status is up to date.

As the country watches the situation unfold, the latest cases serve as a reminder that global health threats never truly leave borders. The ongoing public health measures and heightened awareness are vital to keep New Zealand measles‑free for future generations.