Hawke’s Bay District Health Board is very sad to report that a woman in her 90s, who had campylobacter infection, died yesterday evening from an unrelated medical condition. The woman who was from Havelock North was admitted to Hawke’s Bay Hospital during the campylobacter outbreak. The Coroner is not taking jurisdiction over the case as there is no direct causal link to campylobacter. The family has asked the district health board not to release any further information so they can focus on grieving for a much loved family member.
Today’s update
Today we have no patients admitted to Hawke’s Bay Hospital’s general wards with campylobacter infection. There remains one patient being cared for in the Intensive Care Unit, who has needed further intensive care for an unrelated medical issue.
General practice and pharmacies are beginning to see cases of suspected Reactive Arthritis, from the campylobacter infection. Reactive arthritis is painful but usually responds well to anti-inflammatories and treatment from a GP. To date GPs and pharmacies have reported eight cases. More information on reactive arthritis can be found from: http://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/r/reactive-arthritis/
The other illness which can occur following campylobacter illness is Guillain Barrē syndrome - a neurological condition, which hospital specialists are all trained and well equipped to treat should it arise. Information and reminders to be on the watch for these two illnesses has been sent to health professionals in Hawke’s Bay. More information can be found from: http://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/g/guillain-barre-syndrome/ .
If anyone is worried about either of these conditions they should seek medical help, contact their health professional or call HealthLine on 0800 611 116, which is available 24/7.
The number of cases of campylobacter is now 604 including both confirmed and probable. The latest household telephone survey conducted on 22 August indicates that more than 4,700 people, approximately one third of the 14,000 residents of Havelock North, have been affected by the outbreak.
There continues to be a number of questions from people concerned about their health. We have Frequently Asked Question information available on the Our Health website: http://www.ourhealthhb.nz/healthy-communities/public-health-warnings-and-alerts/havelock-north-gastro-outbreak-august-2016/havelock-north-gastro-faqs/
Information for people who have their own private bores is now available on the district health board’s website: http://www.ourhealthhb.nz/healthy-communities/public-health-warnings-and-alerts/havelock-north-gastro-outbreak-august-2016/
Extra surveillance is being carried out by health professionals for two other bugs that have a longer incubation time than campylobacter - cryptosporidium and giardia. The public will be informed of any signs of increased sickness.
GENERAL HEALTH ADVICE
- Diarrhoea increases the risk of the contraceptive pill failing. Women need to take extra contraception to prevent getting pregnant if they have diarrhoea.
- The district health board urges people to keep an eye out for people living on their own and older people. Anyone who isn’t getting better or is feeling worse should seek medical advice. Healthline is available 24/7 on free phone 0800 611 116.
The boil water notice remains in place for Havelock North only. The advice is to boil water for one minute
