Welcome to Wednesday’s Hawke’s Bay District Health Board Update 24 August 2016
A total of seven people remain in Hawke’s Bay Hospital with campylobacter, one fewer than yesterday. This total includes one patient being cared for in the Intensive Care Unit, who has needed further intensive care for an unrelated medical issue.
The numbers of people visiting General Practices are continuing to fall.
There has been no evidence of a resurgence of cases of campylobacter. However, some people who have been infected may find that symptoms return.
The number of confirmed cases of campylobacter is now 194, with 366 probable cases, taking it to a total of 560. 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.
- An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness has been reported by the Mary Doyle retirement village in Havelock North is being investigated, but at this stage it is not believed to be related to the campylobacter outbreak. Gastro outbreaks are not uncommon in aged residential care facilities and there are routine procedures for managing the situation.
- The results of testing of a private bore which supplies Haumoana School have confirmed that there is no e-coli present. Further testing is now being carried out. Until these results have been received, the water in the school’s tank is being treated and bottled water is being provided to students and staff. Further details are available on the Haumoana School website: http://www.haumoana.school.nz/
- At this stage there is no evidence of any contamination of the Clive School water supply.
- 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.
- There are two illnesses which occur in rare cases following infection with campylobacter. One is reactive arthritis, which is painful but will usually respond well to anti-inflammatories and treatment from a GP. The other, which is rare, 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.
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 0800 611 116.
