New Measles Exposure Sites in Auckland and Queenstown Urged for Action

Health authorities have identified several new locations linked to potential measles exposure, including two bars in central Auckland. Individuals who visited these sites are urged to contact Healthline urgently. Although no new cases were reported over the weekend, Health New Zealand remains vigilant about the risk of infection in places where close contacts may have occurred.

Among the newly identified locations are the Eagle Bar and G.A.Y Club on Karangahape Road, both in Auckland, and various retail outlets in Queenstown. The specific times of interest include:

– **BP Connect Richmond**, Queen Street, Nelson: November 16, 13:15-14:15
– **Eagle Bar**, Karangahape Road, Auckland: November 29, Midnight-02:30
– **G.A.Y Club**, Karangahape Road, Auckland: November 29, 01:15-02:45
– **Eagle Bar**, Karangahape Road, Auckland: November 30, 01:45-03:55
– **G.A.Y Club**, Karangahape Road, Auckland: November 30, 02:45-04:25
– **Hikari Teppanyaki**, Grant Road, Frankton: December 1, 18:00-20:45
– **Dunedin Public Hospital**, Emergency Department: December 2, 13:00-14:30
– **OPSM**, Grant Road, Frankton: December 2, 14:10-15:40
– **Chemist Warehouse**, Queenstown: December 2, 19:50-21:00
– **Carters**, Glenda Drive, Queenstown: December 2, 14:45-16:15
– **The Ballarat**, Queenstown: December 2, 20:05-22:30

Health New Zealand has emphasized that anyone who was present at these locations during the specified times should call Healthline at 0800 611 116. The health agency warns that attendees could be at risk of developing measles and potentially spreading it to others. Those who visited these locations or attended events on or before November 30 should also remain at home and avoid contact with others until they have consulted Healthline.

As of now, New Zealand has reported a total of 30 cases of measles in recent weeks, with 11 cases in Auckland and 8 cases in Wellington. The increasing number of potential exposure sites, which include retail locations, events, and travel hubs, has prompted Health New Zealand to encourage the public to take precautions, especially as the holiday season approaches.

Dr. Matt Reid, a public health specialist, has advised anyone planning to travel or attend crowded places to verify their immunisation status. He highlighted the importance of receiving the MMR vaccination to protect against measles. The health agency strongly recommends that individuals check their vaccination status and catch up on any missed doses before embarking on any travels.

“Measles can have a lengthy incubation period and is highly contagious,” Dr. Reid noted. “Immunisation is the best protection against measles. The more people who are immune, the better it is for community health, especially for those who cannot be immunised, such as infants under 12 months, pregnant women, or individuals with compromised immune systems.”

In the last 50 days since the first case of this outbreak was confirmed on October 18, approximately 60,808 MMR doses have been administered. This is a significant increase compared to the 22,000 doses delivered during the same period prior to the outbreak.

As New Zealand enters a busy holiday season, the health authorities stress the importance of vigilance and proactive health measures to curb the spread of this highly contagious virus.