Measles viruses. 3D illustration showing structure of measles virus with surface glycoprotein spikes heamagglutinin-neuraminidase and fusion protein.
Photo: 123RF
Health officials have named a Nelson cafe, public toilet and supermarket as locations where people may have been exposed to measles over a three-day period.
Cases including in children have been confirmed recently in Manawatū, in Nelson and Auckland.
Health NZ public health medicine specialist Dr Sharon Sime previously said there was potential for other cases and officials were investigating locations of interest.
Anyone who visited Victus Café in Bridge Street on three days last week is considered a close contact and should contact Healthline urgently.
Those days are: Wednesday 15 October between 6am and 4pm, Thursday 16 October between 6am and 3.30pm or on Friday 17 October between 6am and 1.30pm.
People who visited the Kirby Lane toilet block during those times or who shopped at New World Nelson on Gloucester Street on Thursday 15 October between 5.15am and 6.30pm are considered “casual contacts” and are warned to be alert for symptoms.
A person who may have been infectious was on the 2pm Bluebridge Ferry crossing from Picton to Wellington on Friday, 3 October, though the last day that people have to monitor for symptoms is Friday 24 October.
Victus Café co-owner Nick Schryvers said as soon as they were informed by public health officials about the measles case they had followed all protocols, including checking staff immunity levels, monitoring for symptoms and a deep-clean of the premises.
Some staff were in isolation until their immunisation records were checked by the Ministry of Health, but all those currently at work had been cleared, he said.
“Our team are being absolutely vigilant in terms of monitoring for any symptoms and there has been no sickness reported amongst staff. We would never want to put a further risk on our team, customers and wider community.”
The infected individual was double vaccinated and unknowingly had the virus, he said.
“The cafe has had a thorough deep clean as per Ministry of Health guidelines, and we are open, and still a safe place for our community and are hoping that we continue to get the support of our valued customers, as this has come at a very tricky time for us in the midst of the Bridge to Better roadworks.
“We encourage people to check locations of interest as these will no doubt list other locations, as there must be undetected spread within the community.”
The café was also among thousands of businesses and homes that lost power due to extreme weather on Thursday morning, but the electricity supply had now been restored.
The disease is highly contagious and can cause serious and potentially long-term health problems.
Simes has warned the public to be vigilant for symptoms of measles including a cough, runny nose, high fever and red, sore eyes.