Be mindful of measles and mozzies when travelling overseas these holidays

Crossing the ditch for the school holidays? Or perhaps heading to the Pacific for some sunshine?

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is reminding New Zealanders that with measles outbreaks currently happening in many popular holiday destinations - including Australia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Thailand and India - if you aren’t fully protected, you are at high risk of catching measles and bringing it back to our shores.

Acting National Public Health Service Clinical Director Protection, Dr Matthew Reid says that while there are no measles cases in New Zealand currently, we are at high risk of an outbreak due to the rapid rise in measles cases nearby and low vaccination rates.

And, it’s a timely reminder too that with mosquito-borne diseases circulating in a number of Pacific countries, including Tonga, Fiji, French Polynesia, and Indonesia, travellers should also take precautions to avoid contracting viruses such as Dengue and Zika.

“We know that with school, Easter and Anzac public holidays all taking place this month, many people will be looking forward to a well-deserved extended break.

“But we’re urging anyone who is travelling overseas to ensure the whole whānau are fully protected against measles before they set off. If heading to the Pacific, that means also taking precautions against mosquito-borne viruses,” Dr Reid says.

“Measles is our most contagious disease and can make people so sick they need to be hospitalised. The good news is that measles is almost completely preventable through vaccination. Anyone who plans to travel overseas, especially to countries with outbreaks, should get vaccinated if you haven’t already.”

The measles vaccine was first introduced in 1969, but the more protective two-dose program wasn't introduced to New Zealand until the 1990s. People born between 1969 and 2004 are advised to talk to their healthcare provider to check their immunisation status and to get vaccinated before they travel.

Migrants to New Zealand may have also missed out on the full two doses of the measles vaccine.

“If you’re not immune to measles, or you’re not sure if you’ve had two doses of the vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated. It is safe to have extra doses of the MMR vaccine even if you are already protected.” 

The MMR vaccine is free for everyone under the age of 18 years old regardless of visa status. If you’re over 18, the vaccine is free if you’re eligible for free healthcare in New Zealand. The vaccine is safe and very effective. After two doses 99% of people are protected from measles.

Dr Reid says that people travelling to Pacific countries should also safeguard against infection from viruses such as Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya, which are spread by infected mosquitoes.

“If you’re travelling outside New Zealand to an area with these diseases, you can protect yourself by wearing protective clothing, using mosquito repellent, and staying or sleeping in well screened locations or under mosquito nets,” Dr Reid says.