Measles Outbreak Expands to Manawatū, Three New Cases Confirmed in Wairarapa

As the measles outbreak in Wairarapa continues to spread, health officials have confirmed three new cases, marking the first time the disease has reached Manawatū since the outbreak began. The Ministry of Health has now confirmed a total of eight cases, with two additional cases still being investigated in Wairarapa and a third in Manawatū.

The Ministry of Health has identified six new locations of interest in Feilding, where a potentially infectious individual visited last Friday between 2pm and 5pm. These locations include a supermarket, a hospice second-hand shop, Bunnings, The Warehouse, and Bargain World. The individual had earlier visited other locations, including Pak’nSave Masterton and Carterton Library, on multiple dates in July.

Public health experts are urging anyone who may have been in these locations during the specified times to monitor themselves for symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes, or a rash that spreads down the body. Dr. Craig Thornley, National Public Health Service Medical Officer of Health, emphasized the importance of vaccination, especially for those planning to travel internationally or who have recently returned from overseas.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can affect both children and adults. Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and sore red eyes, followed by a rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash can last for up to a week.

Vaccination clinics are available in Wairarapa, with free drop-in services offered at Masterton Intermediate School Dental Clinic every Thursday from 3pm to 6pm. Dr. Annette Nesdale, Greater Wellington medical officer of health, urged individuals to check their vaccination status and ensure they and their families are protected with two doses of the MMR vaccine.

The outbreak comes on the heels of a similar scare in Auckland earlier this year, when a marine crew member contracted measles after a trip to Asia. That case also involved potential exposure in public locations before the individual was isolated.

With measles outbreaks continuing to emerge in popular travel destinations such as the US, Canada, the UK, Vietnam, Thailand, and India, health officials are urging New Zealanders to be vigilant and take advantage of free vaccination services available in their communities.

Public health experts warn that New Zealand’s current vaccination rates put the country at risk of a larger measles epidemic. As such, they are calling for increased awareness and proactive measures to prevent further spread of the virus.