Health Alert: Measles High Risk Exposure on Cook Strait Ferry
Auckland, New Zealand – October 24, 2025 – Health New Zealand has issued a nationwide warning after a Bluebridge Cook Strait ferry sailing was confirmed as a high-risk measles exposure event, raising fears of community spread across the country.
The sailing in question is the Picton to Wellington service on Friday, October 3rd, between 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM. This date, falling on the last Friday of the school holidays, has led public health specialists to “assume the worst,” believing passengers have since dispersed across the motu (country).
🚨 The Latest Measles Numbers
- Total Active Cases: Six confirmed cases nationally.
- Ferry Link: Four of the six current cases are directly linked to the October 3rd Bluebridge sailing.
- Location of Cases: Northland (one), Auckland (two), Manawatū (two), and Nelson (one).
Public Health medicine specialist Dr. Sharon Sime confirmed officials are concerned about the escalating risk, especially as some of the new cases are not linked to overseas travel, suggesting potential undetected community spread.
ACTION REQUIRED: What Passengers Need to Do
Health NZ is urging anyone who was on the 2-5:30 PM Bluebridge sailing on October 3rd to immediately be vigilant for symptoms, even if they feel well. The incubation period for measles is up to 21 days, meaning new cases could still emerge.
If you have symptoms, you MUST NOT visit your GP or hospital without calling ahead first.
MEASLES SYMPTOMS:
- High fever (over 38°C)
- Cough, runny nose, and sore, red eyes
- A rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body (appearing 3–5 days after other symptoms)
📞 IMMEDIATE ACTION: If you were on that ferry and develop any symptoms, please call Healthline (0800 611 116) or your health provider immediately, and tell them you are a measles contact. Stay home to prevent spread.
Prevention is Key
Measles is almost completely preventable. Health NZ continues to push vaccination, stating that two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine, given at least four weeks apart, offer 99% protection.
🔗 STAY INFORMED: Visit the Health NZ website for the latest advice and locations of interest.
Lions Roar News urges everyone to take this warning seriously, check their MMR vaccination status, and follow the advice of health officials.
