A person in Palmerston North has tested positive for measles, with no connection to international travel and no known source of infection identified, which indicates there may be further unidentified cases in the community.

We are investigating possible sources of infection between the period of 4 and 18 July. During that time the person, who resides in Palmerston North, spent time in Wellington over the busy Matariki weekend, and it is possible this is where they contracted measles.

The person may have been exposed to measles in Palmerston North, or they may have been exposed in Wellington.

“We are concerned that there could be more cases in the community that we are not yet aware of, so we encourage people who were out in Wellington over the weekend of 11 July to 12 July to be extra vigilant for symptoms of measles,” Public Health Medicine Specialist Dr Sharon Sime says.

“This weekend was during the school holidays and included Matariki events, concerts, and a large international sports event.”

“It is not yet known what the source of this case is, so Health New Zealand’s National Public Health Service (NPHS) is working with the person to determine any possible sources.

“It’s important that anyone who has experienced the symptoms of measles recently, even if they have already recovered, get in touch with Healthline on 0800 611 116, or your usual healthcare provider. Getting in touch will help us stop the potential spread of more measles in the community,” says Dr Sime.

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose or red eyes, and a rash starting on the face. The best protection against measles is getting immunised with 2 doses of the MMR vaccine.

This case attended a high-risk exposure event at Rosie O’Grady’s restaurant in Palmerston North on Friday 24 July 6:45pm to 10pm, and we urge anyone who was in this location at that time to contact Healthline on 0800 611 116, or your usual healthcare provider and check our location of interest page for instructions for further information.

We encourage people to check the Locations of interest page and follow the instructions if they are a close or casual contact, and to monitor for symptoms of measles. Additional locations of interest will be added to this page as they are identified.

The following locations of interest have been identified:

Woolworths Broadway, Corner of Albert Street and Main Street, Palmerston North, Monday 27 July 5:45pm to 7:15pm
Rosie O’Grady’s, 96 Fitzherbert Avenue, Palmerston North, Friday 24 July 6:45pm to 10:00pm
The Laundry Room, 95 Albert Street, Palmerston North, Monday 23 July 10:15am to 12:30pm
Woolworths Broadway, Corner of Albert Street and Main Street, Palmerston North, Thursday 23 July 10:15am to 12:30pm
Pizza Hut, Corner Broadway Avenue and Albert Street, Palmerston North, Thursday 23 July 10:15am to 12:30pm
NPD Petrol Station, 535 Church Street, Palmerston North, Thursday 23 July 11:30am to 12:30pm