Measles warning for Aucklanders on Malaysia Airlines flight

BEVAN READ/STUFF

Passengers on a flight from Malaysia may have been exposed to measles.

Passengers on a flight to Auckland from Kuala Lumpur may have been exposed to measles.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) said travellers who arrived at Auckland International Airport on Malaysia Airlines MH133 from Kuala Lumpur at 11pm on Sunday, April 15, may be at risk.

The service has been contacting passengers seated in rows 28 to 44, closest to the infectious person, to check their immunity and advise on action such as vaccination or in some cases, quarantine.

ARPHS Medical Officer of Health, Dr Josephine Herman, said although anyone in rows 28 to 44 was most exposed, there was a possibility other passengers on the flight may have been infected on the plane, at the gate or at the baggage claim.

"The airborne measles virus is very easily transmitted from one person to another, so those on the flight should watch for symptoms from now until April 29," Herman said. Symptoms include a fever, and one or more of a runny nose, cough or sore red eyes. A raised red rash follows.

Passengers feeling unwell should telephone their doctor before visiting the practice, or call Healthline on 0800 611-116 for advice.

Herman said ARPHS had a confirmed case of measles on a Singapore Airlines flight from Singapore to Auckland in February, with a second case as a result of contact with that person.

"The only way to protect from measles and the best way to avoid its complications is to be fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine."

Herman said New Zealanders should catch up on their MMR vaccinations before they travel overseas.

One in 10 people with measles need hospital treatment and the most serious cases can result in deafness or swelling of the brain.