NZ warns of measles infection on Malaysia Airlines flight

Medical authorities in Auckland say passengers on MH133 on April 15 should monitor for symptoms after one of them on the flight was infected.

PETALING JAYA: Authorities in New Zealand are attempting to contact passengers on a Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur to Auckland who may have been infected with measles.

This came about after an Aucklander on flight MH133 on April 15 began experiencing symptoms of the ailment during transit, Radio New Zealand (RNZ) reported today.

Auckland medical officer of health Josephine Herman was quoted as saying that 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 area.

She said the symptoms of the easily transmittable virus to watch out for included fever, a runny nose, cough, red eyes and a raised rash.

She said passengers should monitor for these symptoms until April 29.

People who had not had immunisations for measles, mumps and rubella were the most vulnerable, she added.

According to RNZ, about 50 other people on the plane could also have been infected.

It said there was another case of measles on a Singapore Airlines flight bound for Auckland from Singapore in February, which led to another person who had contact with the originally infected passenger being affected. - FMT