Urgent Health Alert: New Measles Exposure Sites in New Zealand

Health officials have identified several new locations in New Zealand where individuals may have been exposed to measles, including two bars in central Auckland. Health New Zealand is urging anyone who visited these sites to contact Healthline immediately.

No new measles cases were reported over the weekend, but officials are concerned about potential exposure at various locations, categorizing many visitors as close contacts who are at higher risk of infection. The newly identified sites include two bars on Karangahape Road in Auckland and several retail outlets in Queenstown.

Potential Exposure Locations

The specific locations where exposure may have occurred are as follows:

– BP Connect Richmond, Queen Street, Nelson: November 16, 2023, 13:15-14:15
– Eagle Bar, Karangahape Road, Auckland: November 29, 2023, Midnight-02:30
– G.A.Y Club, Karangahape Road, Auckland: November 29, 2023, 01:15-02:45
– Eagle Bar, Karangahape Road, Auckland: November 30, 2023, 01:45-03:55
– G.A.Y Club, Karangahape Road, Auckland: November 30, 2023, 02:45-04:25
– Hikari Teppanyaki, Grant Road, Frankton: December 1, 2023, 18:00-20:45
– Dunedin Public Hospital, Emergency Department: December 2, 2023, 13:00-14:30
– OPSM, Grant Road, Frankton: December 2, 2023, 14:10-15:40
– Chemist Warehouse, Queenstown: December 2, 2023, 19:50-21:00
– Carters, Glenda Drive, Queenstown: December 2, 2023, 14:45-16:15
– The Ballarat, Queenstown: December 2, 2023, 20:05-22:30

Individuals who were present at these locations during the specified times are advised to call Healthline at 0800 611 116 as soon as possible. Health New Zealand emphasized that those affected could be at risk of contracting measles and potentially spreading it to others.

Current Measles Outbreak Status

The recent outbreak has resulted in a total of 30 confirmed cases of measles in New Zealand, with 11 cases reported in Auckland and 8 in Wellington. As the holiday season approaches, Health New Zealand is urging vigilance, especially for individuals traveling or attending crowded public events.

Officials recommend that anyone planning to travel internationally or domestically check their immunisation status and ensure they are up to date with the MMR vaccination. Dr. Matt Reid, a public health specialist, noted that the disease has a long incubation period and is highly contagious.

In the 50 days since the first case was documented on October 18, 2023, a total of 60,808 MMR doses have been administered, a significant increase compared to 22,000 doses given in the previous 50 days. Dr. Reid stated, “Immunisation is the best protection against measles. The more people who are immune, the better we can protect vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated, such as babies under 12 months, pregnant individuals, and those who are immunocompromised.”

As community transmission remains a concern, Health New Zealand continues to urge the public to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others during this critical time.