Measles case detected in Palmerston North with no known source

A new measles case has been detected in Palmerston North.

Health New Zealand said the person tested positive with no connection to international travel.

It said there was no known source of the infection, which suggested there could be further unidentified cases in the community.

Health NZ were investigating possible sources of infection between the period of 4 and 18 July.

The Palmerston North resident spent time in Wellington over Matariki weekend, and it was possible they contracted measles there, it said.

"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," Public Health medicine specialist Dr Sharon Sime said.

"This weekend was during the school holidays and included Matariki events, concerts, and a large international sports event.

"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."

It was important that anyone who experienced the symptoms of measles recently, even if they had already recovered, got in touch with Healthline on 0800 611 116, or their usual healthcare provider. Sime said.

"Getting in touch will help us stop the potential spread of more measles in the community," she said.

Symptoms of measles included fever, cough, runny nose or red eyes, and a rash starting on the face.

The case attended a high-risk exposure event at Rosie O'Grady's restaurant in Palmerston North on Friday 24 July 6:45pm to 10pm.

Health NZ said the following locations of interest had been identified:

• Woolworths Broadway, Corner of Albert Street and Main Street, Palmerston North, Monday 27 July 5:45pm to 7:15pm.
• Rosie O'Grady's, 96 Fitzherbert Avenue, Palmerston North, Friday 24 July 6:45pm to 10:00pm.
• The Laundry Room, 95 Albert Street, Palmerston North, Monday 23 July 10:15am to 12:30pm.
• Woolworths Broadway, Corner of Albert Street and Main Street, Palmerston North, Thursday 23 July 10:15am to 12:30pm.
• Pizza Hut, Corner Broadway Avenue and Albert Street, Palmerston North, Thursday 23 July 10:15am to 12:30pm.
• NPD Petrol Station, 535 Church Street, Palmerston North, Thursday 23 July 11:30am to 12:30pm.