Measles case confirmed in Manawatū – undetected cases possible
Published: 12 August 2026
Te Whatu Ora | Health NZ has issued a public health advisory following confirmation of a measles case in Palmerston North. The person had no recent overseas travel and no source of infection has been identified, meaning additional undetected cases in the community are possible.
Clinicians should remain vigilant for people presenting with measles symptoms, particularly those who were at a current location of interest, spent time in Palmerston North from 4–18 July, or were in Wellington over 11–12 July.
Key actions for practices
Triage for measles symptoms and relevant travel or exposure history before patients enter shared waiting areas where possible.
Immediately isolate suspected cases and provide them with a medical mask.
Test suspected cases using a nasopharyngeal PCR swab; do not use measles serology for diagnosis or send suspected cases to community laboratory collection centres.
Notify the local Medical Officer of Health urgently when there is a high index of suspicion – do not wait for test results.
Check that clinical and non-clinical practice staff have evidence of measles immunity.
Practices should also continue to encourage eligible people to receive MMR vaccination and check the latest measles locations of interest.
Read the full Te Whatu Ora | Health NZ public health advisory or detailed triage, testing, isolation and notification guidance.