Unknown source: Measles case raises fears of undetected spread

Author: Herald Reporters,
Publish Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2026, 4:32pm

A person in Palmerston North has tested positive for measles. Photo / US CDC

Health officials are investigating after a Palmerston North resident tested positive for measles.

The source of the infection is unknown and the case is not linked to overseas travel.

Health New Zealand said the unexplained case suggests there may be further undetected infections in the community.

Public health medicine specialist Dr Sharon Sime said officials were investigating possible sources of infection between the period of July 4 and July 18 when the person travelled to Wellington over the Matariki long weekend.

“The person may have been exposed to measles in Palmerston North, or they may have been exposed in Wellington,” Sime said.

“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.”

That weekend coincided with school holidays, Matariki events, concerts and a major international sporting event.

The infected person also visited several public venues while possibly infectious.

The infected person also visited several public venues while potentially infectious, including Rosie O’Grady’s in Palmerston North on July 24 between 6.45pm and 10pm, which has been classified as a high-risk exposure event.

The following locations of interest were also identified:

Woolworths Broadway, Corner of Albert St and Main St, Palmerston North, Monday, July 27 from 5.45pm to 7.15pm.
Rosie O’Grady’s, 96 Fitzherbert Ave, Palmerston North, Friday July 24 from 6.45pm to 10pm.
The Laundry Room, 95 Albert St, Palmerston North, Monday July 23 from 10.15am to 12.30pm.
Woolworths Broadway, Corner of Albert St and Main St, Palmerston North, Thursday July 23 from 10.15am to 12.30pm
Pizza Hut, Corner Broadway Ave and Albert St, Palmerston North, Thursday July 23 from 10.15am to 12.30pm.
NPD Petrol Station, 535 Church St, Palmerston North, Thursday July 23 from 11.30am to 12.30pm.

Health New Zealand is asking anyone who developed measles symptoms recently, even if they have since recovered, to contact Healthline on Healthline on 0800 611 116 or their GP to help identify any further spread.