Queenstown Medical Centre (QMC) is ramping up measles detection and prevention efforts after a measles case was confirmed in the resort town.

Whilst there have been no additional cases since one diagnosis on September 29, the QMC clinical team want to assure locals the centre is well equipped and prepared for an outbreak. The number of national measles cases now stands at 11.

QMC clinical services manager Janette Dallas says the medical centre has a dedicated response team based at the Isle Street clinic.

“We are monitoring the situation very closely and are working with Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora to see any people who are close or casual contacts of measles cases,” she says. “We’re also proactively contacting enrolled patients who aren’t immunised to encourage vaccination, and we’ve set up extra clinics for measles immunisations. Patients can be vaccinated at any of the three QMC sites.”

The QMC Isle Street clinic is serving as a hub for any patients that may have symptoms of the measles virus. The facility has an isolation room within the building, as well as an outdoor area.

Patients who are symptomatic or have been contact traced can present at the dedicated gazebo in the QMC Isle Street car park. If arriving by vehicle, patients are asked to stay within their vehicle for a consultation with a doctor.

“At the request of Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora we are taking bloods for any contact-traced patients to assess their immunity status. We’re also swabbing for measles in suspected cases,” adds Dallas. “But immunisation is the best protection – MMR vaccines are fully funded for anyone eligible for healthcare in NZ.”

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that typically begins with early symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Within a few days, tiny white spots known as Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth, followed by a distinctive red rash. Complications can be serious, especially in children and unvaccinated individuals.

“QMC has a very large and experienced healthcare team working across three sites,” says Dallas. “We want to assure Queenstown locals we have the expertise, ability and capacity to care for any patients who are close or casual contacts, or who may be experiencing measles symptoms.”

To view locations of interest regarding the measles outbreak, refer to the Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora website: Measles: Locations of interest in Aotearoa New Zealand

About Queenstown Medical Centre 
Established in 1970 by the late Dr Pat Farry, Queenstown Medical Centre (QMC) has a long history of excellence and commitment to the delivery of primary health care in the Wakatipu. With clinics in Isle Street, Jacks Point and the expanded, purpose-built facility Remarkables Park, QMC offers the most comprehensive patient care, 365 days a year, in the district. With 85 staff across all locations, Queenstown Medical Centre is the largest integrated family health provider in the lower South Island, blending the science of medicine with patient-focused general practice.

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