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Measles

Measles Outbreak in New Zealand: High-Risk Locations Identified

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Health officials in New Zealand have identified multiple locations where people may have been exposed to measles, a highly contagious and potentially serious disease. The affected locations include a café, public toilet, and supermarket in Nelson, as well as a ferry crossing in the Cook Strait. The outbreak has been linked to recent cases in Manawatu, Nelson, and Auckland.

Key Takeaways:

  • A Nelson cafe, Victus Café, has been identified as a high-risk location for measles exposure, specifically on three days: Wednesday 15 October between 6am and 4pm, Thursday 16 October between 6am and 3.30pm, and Friday 17 October between 6am and 1.30pm. Close contacts who visited the café during these times are advised to contact Healthline urgently.
  • People who visited the Kirby Lane toilet block during the same times or 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 with measles was on the 2pm Bluebridge Ferry crossing from Picton to Wellington on Friday, 3 October. The last day to monitor for symptoms is Friday 24 October.
  • The infected individual was double vaccinated and unknowingly had the virus.
  • The café has undergone a thorough deep clean as per Ministry of Health guidelines, and staff immunity levels have been checked.
  • The Ministry of Health has emphasized the importance of monitoring for symptoms, including a cough, runny nose, high fever, and red, sore eyes.

Statistics:

  • 3 days: The duration of the high-risk exposure period at Victus Café.
  • 2pm: The time of the Bluebridge Ferry crossing on Friday, 3 October, when the infected person may have been on the ferry.
  • Friday 24 October: The last day to monitor for symptoms.
  • 3 locations: The number of locations identified as high-risk for measles exposure: Victus Café, Kirby Lane toilet block, and New World Nelson.

Sources:

  • Health New Zealand
  • Ministry of Health
  • Victus Café
  • New Zealand Herald
  • Stuff.co.nz

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