Measles-infected passenger flies into Auckland

  • 03/02/2016
Measles-infected passenger flies into Auckland

Passengers aboard a China Southern Flight that landed at Auckland International Airport last month may have been exposed to measles.

According to Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS), CZ305, which landed on Saturday, was carrying an infected passenger who may have been a health risk to others.

The plane departed Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport around 2am (local time) and landed in New Zealand around 5:50pm (NZT).

Medical officer of health for ARPHS Dr Richard Hoskins says passengers on the plane who have been infected may start to see symptoms from around February 6.

These symptoms can include a fever, runny nose, cough and sore red eyes. It is only a few days after being infected that people start to show the blotchy red marks on their face.

Dr Hoskins says anybody who feels unwell needs to get in contact with medical help earlier than later.

"Passengers who feel unwell should immediately telephone their doctor or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice. Measles is highly infectious and you could infect other people in the medical centre waiting room, therefore it's very important to phone in advance.

"Measles cannot be treated once you get it. The only way to protect from measles and the best way to avoid its complications is to be fully vaccinated. "

The illness is infectious before the rash appears, and can be passed between people simply by walking past an infected person or sitting next to them.

ARPHS has been contacting people who were on the flight individually, especially those who shared the same vicinity as the original infected patient.

Measles is a serious illness, with one in 10 people needing hospital treatment. People who have not had any vaccination against measles, or who have only had one dose are at most risk.

Anybody born before 1969 is likely to be immune to the disease naturally.

Newshub.