The Auckland Airport International Terminal has been identified as a measles location of interest after a confirmed case involving an overseas traveller.

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora said the traveller was confirmed as a measles case after they left New Zealand.

Health NZ says anyone at the terminal between 7.30pm on Thursday, February 26, to 1am on Friday, February 27, is considered a casual contact and should watch out for measles symptoms from today until Friday, March 20.

Further locations of interest may be identified related to this case.

At this stage, it is considered unlikely the case was infected while in New Zealand.

Health NZ encouraged people to check their website for updates and follow the advice for close or casual contacts, and to monitor for symptoms of measles.

These include a runny nose, fever, cough, sore watery pink eyes, and a rash that develops a few days after the fever.

“The fever is still present and high (at least 38C) at the time the rash first appears,” Health NZ said.

Getting immunised with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine after the age of 12 months is the best form of protection against measles, according to the health agency.

“This latest case is a further reminder for everyone to check if you and your whānau are immune to measles.

“It highlights New Zealand’s ongoing vulnerability to further outbreaks, especially related to overseas travel and our low immunisation rates,” Health NZ said.

It said MMR was safe and “very effective” in preventing measles.

It was free in New Zealand for all children aged under 18, regardless of immigration status, and for adults 18 and over who are eligible for publicly funded healthcare.

This included all citizens and permanent residents, Health NZ said.