Passengers on a Cook Strait ferry may have been exposed to the measles virus.
Photo: Supplied/ US CDC
Hundreds of passengers on a Cook Strait ferry crossing may have been exposed to the measles virus, as Health NZ confirms two new cases.
The new cases on Thursday bring the total active number nationally to six.
One of the cases is in Northland, two in Auckland, two in Manawatū, and one in Nelson.
These are all in addition to the cases reported last week in Northland and the one case in Queenstown-Lakes District.
Four of the six cases are linked to a 2-5.30pm Bluebridge Ferry sailing from Picton to Wellington on 3 October, when an infectious measles case was on board.
Officials have now contacted approximately 350 passengers on the affected sailing and provided them with health information and advice.
Public health medicine specialist Dr Sharon Sime from the National Public Health Service said given the size of the ferry exposure event, it was likely there were more cases in the community “which are yet to be reported”.
“That’s why we are asking people to continue to remain vigilant for measles symptoms, and with a long weekend ahead, to stay home if unwell and avoid travel, and seek healthcare advice.”
In addition to the ferry crossing, several locations of interest around Nelson have also been added, alongside one new location in the Manawatū region, which have been published on Thursday.
Anyone who attended the 10.15am service at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Ruahine Street, Palmerston North on Sunday 19 October is considered a “casual contact” and should be alert for symptoms.
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