84 people at risk after measles exposure

Health authorities are trying to contact 84 people exposed to measles by a baby who flew from London to Christchurch via Auckland.

The baby arrived in Auckland on Air New Zealand flight NZ1 on Monday, December 7, before travelling to Christchurch on flight NZ509.

Auckland and Canterbury health authorities are trying to contact people sitting near the baby on both flights; for the international leg, 56 people sitting in rows 56-60 were at risk while 28 people sitting in rows 13-17 were exposed on the domestic flight.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service medical officer of health Dr Brad Novak said it was important people in those rows were alerted to the risk of measles because it was a serious and highly infectious which could spread rapidly in unimmunised groups.

"These passengers, or their family members, who have symptoms suggestive of measles are advised to immediately seek advice from a doctor," Dr Novak said.

"Call ahead to alert your doctor or practice nurse about the possibility of measles as this will allow them to arrange to assess you safely without infecting others. People who suspect they may have measles should avoid contact with young children and pregnant women."

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink said the baby's parents had taken it to their doctor for cold-like symptoms before travelling. They were given antibiotics but measles was not suspected.

"They've done what any other parent would do – they've sought advice and they've followed that advice," Dr Pink said.

It had not become apparent that the baby had the measles until this week.

Those most at risk of contracting the disease were those who had not had the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine or who had just had one dose of it. Anyone born before 1969 was likely to be immune without having had the vaccine.

Measles was spread by breathing, coughing and sneezing, and could cause a rash, high fever, runny nose and sore, watery eyes. It was occasionally fatal.

The measles incubation period is up to 21 days.

- NZPA