A measles case identified in Palmerston North has no connection to overseas travel or a known source of infection, indicating further unidentified cases in the community, Health NZ says.
The person who tested positive spent time in Wellington over the busy Matariki weekend, with officials saying its possible they contracted measles there.
Public health medicine specialist Dr Sharon Sime said Health NZ was investigating possible sources of infection between July 4 and 18.
"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."
Sime said the person attended Matariki events, concerts and a large international sports event during their time in the capital.
"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."
Six locations of interest have been released:
- Woolworths Broadway, Corner of Albert and Main streets, Palmerston North, July 27 5.45pm to 7.15pm
- Rosie O’Grady’s, 96 Fitzherbert Ave, Palmerston North, July 24, 6.45pm to 10.00pm
- The Laundry Room, 95 Albert St, Palmerston North, July 23, 10.15am to 12.30pm
- Woolworths Broadway, Corner of Albert and Main streets, Palmerston North, July 23, 10.15am to 12.30pm
- Pizza Hut, Corner Broadway Ave and Albert Street, Palmerston North, July 23, 10.15am to 12.30pm
- NPD Petrol Station, 535 Church St, Palmerston North, July 23, 11.30am to 12.30pm
Measles symptoms include an illness that begins with high fever (over 38C); a cough; runny nose; sore red eyes (conjunctivitis); and a rash, beginning on the face and gradually spreading down the body to the arms and legs. The rash lasts for up to one week.
Sime said anyone who had measles symptoms recently, even if they had recovered, should contact Healthline or their usual healthcare provider.
"Getting in touch will help us stop the potential spread of more measles in the community."
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