A passenger on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Auckland could have infected at least 50 others on the plane with measles.
A Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737 prepares to land in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: 123RF
Auckland's Regional Public Health Service is contacting people who were on Malaysia Airlines flight MH133, which arrived at 11pm on April 15.
Auckland Medical Officer of Health Josephine Herman said those in rows 28 to 44 were the most exposed, but others may also have been infected, including those at the gate or baggage claim.
The infected person was an Aucklander returning home and had begun experiencing symptoms while they were in transit, she said.
Dr Herman said the virus was easily transmitted and those on the flight should watch for symptoms, which include a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and a raised rash, until 29 April.
She said those who were most vulnerable would be people who had not had their Measles Mumps and Rubella immunisations.
Anyone born before 1969 is likely to be immune to the disease.
There have been a number of other measles cases around the country this year - in April, three cases of measles were linked to Queenstown Airport, with two adults all contracting the disease.
There was another case of measles on a Singapore Airlines flight to Auckland from Singapore in February, with a second case as a result of contact with this person.
A case was also confirmed in Hamilton last week.
Dr Herman said anyone suffering from measles symptoms should contact their doctor or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.
