A New Measles Case: A Wellington College Student's Journey Through Two Airports
A new measles case has been confirmed on Saturday, linked to a Wellington College student who traveled through both Wellington and Auckland airports. This case highlights the ongoing risk of measles transmission, with the total number of known cases now at 19 nationally, and 18 of those no longer infectious.
Health NZ national clinical director Dr. Susan Jack emphasized that contact tracing is underway. The latest case is connected to Wellington College and involved international travel to Asia, where the individual remains.
The infected person was a contact of a previous measles case and followed public health advice by quarantining for 14 days and monitoring for symptoms for an additional seven days, totaling 21 days. Dr. Jack assured that the individual's actions were in line with recommended protocols.
Several locations of interest are associated with this case. The National Public Health Service is actively contact-tracing household contacts, individuals who shared a school bus and attended exams at Wellington College, and people on the same flights during the infectious period.
Dr. Jack urged anyone who believes they may have been at any of the specified locations to take the necessary precautions if they are a close or casual contact and to monitor for symptoms of measles. She emphasized that measles is one of the most contagious viruses, easily spreading from person to person.
For those feeling unwell, it is advised to stay home and seek health advice by calling Healthline for free at 0800 611 116. The locations of interest are as follows:
- Monday, November 3: Metlink school bus route #736 (Karori Mall to Wellington College) between 7:30 am and 8:30 am
- Monday, November 3: Metlink public bus route #2 (Wellington College to Karori) between 11:30 am and 12:40 pm
- Tuesday, November 4: Wellington Airport between 11 am and 2 pm
- Tuesday, November 4: Auckland Airport domestic terminal between 2 pm and 3 pm
- Tuesday, November 4: Auckland Airport international terminal between 2 pm and 9:30 pm
