Measles outbreak expands: Auckland bars among newly identified exposure sites
A group of additional locations has been flagged as potential transmission points for measles, including two central Auckland bars. Healthline remains the urgent contact for anyone who may have been exposed.
Over the weekend there were no new measles cases, but Health New Zealand warns that several new sites represent close contact points and an elevated risk of infection.
New exposure sites include two bars on Karangahape Road in central Auckland and multiple Queenstown retailers:
- BP Connect Richmond, Queen Street, Nelson: 16 November, 1.15–2.15pm
- Eagle Bar, Karangahape Road, Auckland: 29 November, Midnight–2.30am
- G.A.Y Club, Karangahape Road, Auckland: 29 November, 1.15–2.45am
- Eagle Bar, Karangahape Road, Auckland: 30 November, 1.45–3.55am
- G.A.Y Club, Karangahape Road, Auckland: 30 November, 2.45–4.25am
- Hikari Teppanyaki, Grant Road, Frankton: 1 December, 6–8.45pm
- Dunedin Public Hospital, Emergency Department: 2 December, 1–2.30pm
- OPSM, Grant Road, Frankton: 2 December, 2.10–3.40pm
- Chemist Warehouse, Queenstown: 2 December, 7.50–9pm
- Carters, Glenda Drive, Queenstown: 2 December, 2.45–4.15pm
- The Ballarat, Queenstown: 2 December, 8.05–10.30pm
Anyone who was at any of these locations on the specified dates and times should urgently call Healthline at 0800 611 116.
Attendees at these sites, or at events that occurred on or before 30 November, may be at risk of spreading measles to others from today onward. Those individuals should stay home and avoid contact with others until Healthline has provided guidance.
In total, thirty measles cases have been reported in New Zealand recently, with 11 in Auckland and eight in Wellington.
Preparing for the holiday season
Health NZ emphasizes heightened vigilance as retailers, events, travel services, and airports have all been identified as potential exposure points. The message is clear: anyone traveling or attending crowded public venues or large events should take precautions to protect themselves and others during the busy holiday period.
For travelers with plans over the holidays, it is wise to review immunisation status and catch up on any missed MMR vaccinations before leaving New Zealand.
Measles has a long incubation period and is highly contagious, so checking your vaccination status and receiving any needed shots is strongly advised for both international and domestic travel.
Dr. Matt Reid, a public health specialist, notes that in the 50 days since the outbreak began on 18 October, more than 60,800 MMR doses have been administered—significantly up from the previous 50 days.
Immunisation remains the strongest defense against measles. Higher community immunity protects vulnerable groups, including babies under 12 months, pregnant individuals, and those who are immunocompromised.
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