Health New Zealand is urging immediate action as measles cases continue to rise across the country, with 17 confirmed infections as of Sunday, November 2 — including a new case in Auckland linked to overseas transmission.

The warning comes at the start of National Measles Immunisation Week (November 3–7), a nationwide campaign aimed at boosting awareness and uptake of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine amid signs of community transmission in multiple regions.

“The new case in Auckland is linked to a previous overseas acquired case,” a Health NZ spokesperson said.

“Locations of Interest are being checked, and these will be uploaded to our website as they are confirmed. Health New Zealand continues to investigate the current unlinked cases and expects to have more information in the coming days.”

Health NZ’s executive national director Nick Chamberlain, who leads the National Public Health Service, said now is the time to act.

The Measles Immunisation Week is a nationwide initiative designed to support the efforts of the health sector; raise public awareness about the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, and highlight the importance of timely immunisation for people of all ages.

Measles is one of the most infectious human diseases on the planet, Chamberlain said.

One person with measles can infect 12-18 non-immune people and if you are not immunised and are nearby, Chamberlain said there’s a 90% chance you’ll catch measles.

“We urge people to visit your GP, pharmacy, Hauora Māori or Pacific health provider to get the right advice.

“Take advantage of the extra clinics next week to ensure your children and babies, 12 months or older, get the MMR vaccine,” he said.

“For those born between 1969-2004 please check if you are fully immunised as we need an immunity rate of at least 95% to prevent measles spreading.”

Measles cases continue to rise across New Zealand, with confirmed cases reported in regions including Northland, Auckland, Taranaki, Wellington, and Nelson.

Health NZ has advised that recent cases are showing signs of community transmission, not just travel-related infections.

You can book a vaccine for yourself, a family member, or a group at bookmyvaccine.health.nz or call the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26. You can find an immunisation clinic here.

To find out how to check your immunisation status, visit info.health.nz/measles or call Vaccination Helpline 0800 28 29 26 (Free, available Monday to Friday 8:30am-9pm, and weekends 8:30am-2pm).