Community and Public Health has recently confirmed another case of measles in Christchurch. This case is related to the current South Island measles outbreak, which has now infected 15 people.

Image/Robert Herriman
Image/Robert Herriman

Investigations have found that this most recent case visited a number of stores and other places while infectious.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Cheryl Brunton, says measles is a serious illness and is highly contagious.People with measles are infectious for several days before the characteristic rash appears and the disease is very easily passed from one person to another through the air.

If you are not immune to measles you are at risk of getting the disease. People are only considered immune if they:

  • have received two doses of MMR vaccine; or
  • have had a confirmed measles illness previously; or
  • were born before 1969.

The recent measles case visited these places on the dates and times below:

  • 1st May – Hoyts Northlands between 10am and 1.30pm (Screening of “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”).
  • 2nd May – New World Rolleston between 8.20 and 8.40 am; and The Warehouse in Rolleston between 8.40 and 9am.
  • 3rd May – Fresh Choice Leeston between 2.50 and 3.10pm.
  • 4th May – Harvey Norman in Hornby between 10 and 10.30am; and Henrys in Hornby between 10.40 and 10.50am.
  • 6th May – Fresh Choice Leeston between 7.50 and 8.10am.
  • 7th May – Selwyn Community Pharmacy in Lincoln between 2.50 and 3.10pm; New World Rolleston between 3.20 and 3.40pm; and Dominos Rolleston between 3.40 and 3.55pm.
  • 8th May – Pines Resource Recovery Park in Rolleston between 11.10 and 11.20am.

Anyone who visited these places during the times listed and who is unsure whether or not they are immune to measles should check with their general practice. Catch up vaccinations are free, so we encourage everyone to check their immunization status and to be vaccinated if they are not immune.