Several new locations of interest in the recent measles outbreak have been identified, including in nearby Queenstown and Dunedin.

Health New Zealand is urging anyone who may have been at the listed locations to call Healthline immediately on 0800 611 116.

No new cases were reported over the weekend, but several exposure sites were added, where individuals may have been in close contact with the virus.

New locations of interest include:

• Hikari Teppanyaki, Grant Rd, Frankton: December 1, 6–8.45pm

• Dunedin Public Hospital Emergency Dept: December 2, 1–2.30pm

• OPSM, Grant Rd, Frankton: December 2, 2.10–3.40pm

• Chemist Warehouse, Queenstown: December 2, 7.50–9pm

• Carters, Glenda Dr, Queenstown: December 2, 2.45–4.15pm

• The Ballarat, Queenstown: December 2, 8.05–10.30pm

Health NZ said people who were at any of these sites during the listed times may be at risk of developing measles and should isolate until they have spoken to Healthline for advice.

“Attendees at those locations or events that occurred on or before 30 November could be at risk of spreading measles to others from today,” the statement said.

Thirty cases of measles have now been reported across New Zealand, including 11 in Auckland and eight in Wellington.

Travel and holiday season warning

With the holiday season approaching, Health NZ is urging people to check their MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) immunisation status - especially those planning to travel or attend crowded

events.

“Measles can have a long incubation period and is highly contagious,” Health NZ said. “Anyone planning to travel, either internationally or within New Zealand, is strongly encouraged to check their

immunisation status and get vaccinated if needed.”

Since the first confirmed case on October 18, more than 60,800 MMR doses have been administered nationwide - almost triple the amount given in the 50 days prior to the outbreak, according to

public health specialist Dr Matt Reid.

“Immunisation is the best protection against measles,” Reid said. “High community immunisation coverage protects those who can’t be immunised, including babies under 12 months, pregnant people,

or those who are immunocompromised.”