Measles alert for flight into Auckland

A Philippines flight into Auckland carried a passenger infected with the measles.
A Philippines flight into Auckland carried a passenger infected with the measles. Photo credit: File.

A case of measles has been found in a passenger who travelled to New Zealand from Manila in November.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) said the infected person flew in on flight PR218 on Friday November 30, at 2.05pm.

It is asking for anyone who may have been in contact with this person to watch out for symptoms, including high fever, runny nose, cough and sore eyes.

Measles is a highly infectious disease, and Medical Officer of Health David Sinclair said potentially infected passengers may start noticing symptoms in the next few days.

He said it's important to call ahead if you think you may have measles, so your GP can arrange a safe way to treat you.

"If you feel unwell, please don't just turn up. It's important to call first, because measles is highly infectious and you could infect others," he said.

He said staying away from work, schools, childcare, shopping, and public transport is important if you think you may have measles.

ARPHS is currently in the process of locating those sitting between rows 44 and 66, near the infected passenger on the flight, and placing those at risk of developing the disease in quarantine.

It said one in 10 people with measles require hospital treatment and serious cases can result in deafness and brain swelling.

Immunisations can prevent against measles, and Healthline has all the information you may need to get the vaccines on 0800 611 116.

Newshub.