Measles Primary Care Update - 10 November 2023

This update is being provided to ensure the primary care sector is kept informed about the status of the current measles outbreak. 

Background 

• On 01 November 2023, a PCR-positive measles case was confirmed in Taranaki 
• The case had been overseas between 03 October 2023 – 23 October 2023 and is likely to have acquired infection while overseas  
• The case travelled via Auckland International Airport and on to New Plymouth on 30 October 2023 – locations of interest have been confirmed (see here) – twelve have been linked to the case including international and domestic flights, and one hospital exposure 
• The case’s infectious period is considered to be from 23 October 2023 to 03 November 2023 (NZ time). This is an extended period due to uncertainty regarding rash onset date and travel between time zones 
• The case is no longer in isolation 

Status 

• As of 9.11.23, there are a total of 27 open contacts in National Contact Tracing Solution (NCTS)  
• Contacts from the international flight commenced their quarantine on Sunday 05 November 2023  
• Contacts from the domestic flight commenced their quarantine on Monday 06 November 2023  
• As of 9.11.23, the location of 23 contacts have been recorded, with four yet to be mapped as follows: 
  • Northland: 1 
  • Waitemata: 2 
  • Auckland: 1 
  • Counties Manukau: 4 
  • Bay of Plenty: 2 
  • Tairawhiti: 1 
  • Waikato: 2 
  • Taranaki: 7 
  • Mid-central: 1 
  • Hutt Valley: 1 
  • Canterbury: 1 
• As of 9.11.23 across the motu, there are 2 remaining contacts that have been unable to be contacted (one of whom was born before 1969 and is thought to be immune). One further contact has not been spoken to directly but is receiving information via another contact.  The intention is to speak to them as soon as possible.   

Funding for close contact testing and vaccination records  

Funding will soon be available for Primary Care to undertake measles testing and/or consultations, and retrieval of vaccination records of contacts of measles cases – this will only be available following a        request from Public Health Services for cases and/or contacts and their whānau to access these services.   

This funding is targeting support for specific groups to have access to required testing or care.  

Work is underway to provide a clinical framework for the funding, which will include the mechanism for contracting services, define pricing, the process for claiming, and regular communications to the Primary Care sector. Further details will be provided to Primary Care providers once the framework has been confirmed.  

Summary 

There has been a considerable effort by Public Health to manage contacts and isolate individuals where needed.  The National Public Health Emergency Management Team remains in place with the next SitRep due on Monday 13^th November.  Testing, immunisation and welfare is all being managed accordingly to address the situation.  Having had a number of outbreaks this year we urge all providers to have a high index of suspicion for measles particularly if there is a history of recent overseas travel. 

Ngā mihi nui 

Jonathan Tudor

Public Information Manager

Outbreak Response 

National Public Health Service

email | īmēra: outbreakcomms@health.govt.nz

133 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011

Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand

TeWhatuOra.govt.nz