Manawatu & Wairarapa New Measures Update
Measles outbreak Grows: New Exposure Sites Identified in Feilding
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Feilding,New Zealand – The ongoing measles outbreak has seen a concerning rise in cases,with two new infections linked to overseas travel and a previous Wairarapa case bringing the total to eight. National Public health Service medical officer of health, Dr. Craig Thornley, confirmed the new cases and highlighted potential exposure sites in Feilding.
New Cases and Potential Exposure
One of the newly identified cases may have been infectious at several locations in Feilding for a brief period.Dr. Thornley stated that while the individual followed all public health advice, they developed symptoms sooner then anticipated. This prompted a precautionary review of their movements just before entering quarantine.
“Although the case did everything right as advised by public health services, because they unexpectedly developed symptoms sooner than usual, we’ve taken a cautious approach by going back to check any locations they may have visited just before going into quarantine,” Dr. Thornley explained.This review identified six new locations of interest in Feilding, visited on Friday, July 11th, while the individual was perhaps infectious.
Feilding Exposure Sites Identified
The identified exposure sites in Feilding include:
New World (local branch)
The Warehouse
* Bunnings Warehouse
These visits occurred on friday afternoon. Dr. Thornley emphasized that the risk to the wider public is considered low due to the brief nature of these visits and their occurrence within a small timeframe.
Public Health Advice and monitoring
Health authorities are classifying people who were at these locations during the specified exposure times as casual contacts.
“We are advising anyone who may have visited the Feilding locations at the same times as the case to monitor themselves for symptoms, such as a high fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes or a rash that spreads down the body,” Dr. Thornley urged.
Individuals who visited these locations are advised to monitor for symptoms until Friday, August 1st.
For specific timings of the locations of interest, the Health NZ website provides detailed information.
Anyone experiencing symptoms or requiring advice is strongly encouraged to contact their GP,usual healthcare provider,or call Healthline for immediate assistance. Staying informed and vigilant is crucial in managing the spread of this highly contagious disease.