TravelCare International is reporting an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in Napier and Hastings, Hawke's Bay.  This diarrheal disease is caused by a parasite.  It is transmitted via contaminated food or water and through contaminated surfaces.  Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever.  Children and the elderly are the most susceptible to the infection due to weak immune systems.  Practicing good hygiene helps in preventing the infection.

 

At least 45 people have been diagnosed since the beginning of 2013.  Swimming pools, day care centers and untreated drinking water have been implicated in the outbreak.

 

People with good immunity usually recover in about one to two weeks without treatment. 

 

 

As reported by TravelCare International, there are warnings of potentially contaminated shellfish in the Bay of Plenty. A number of people have fallen ill.  Symptoms range from tingling around the mouth to difficulty walking.  These toxins are not inactivated by cooking. 

 

It is advised to avoid consumption of all bivalve shellfish from the Bay of Plenty.  If in doubt of its origin, do not eat. 

 

Mount Tongariro in the North Island underwent a small scale eruption around midnight August 6/7.  It had been inactive for more than a century.  Ash from the eruption may cause itchy eyes, runny nose, sore throat and cough.  Symptoms are likely to be temporary.  For people with underlying health conditions, however, the effects may be more pronounced.

 

Travelers should observe local alerts on evacuation, reduce or avoid outdoor activity during ashfall events, and consider wearing a mask if you must be outdoors for long periods of time. 

 

 

 

According to TravelCare International, an outbreak of Legionnaire's disease has been reported in the Auckland region.  At least 15 cases have been reported throughout the city since the last week of February.  One fatality has been reported to date.

 

Managers and owners of buildings are being urged by health officials to "shock-dose" cooling tower systems or other possible aerosolized-water sources with a biocide that will remove the bacteria.

 

Legionella bacteria is naturally present in the environment, usually in water.  It grows best in warm environments.  Some strains of the bacteria are present in soil or potting mix. 

 

Symptoms usually begin within 2-10 days of contact with the bacteria and may include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, diarrhea, dry cough and difficulty breathing.  Most healthy people recover well when treated with antibiotics.  The pneumonia associated with the disease, however, can be serious and is fatal in 5% to 30% of all cases. 

 

At highest risk of infection are those over the age of 50, smokers and former smokers, diabetics, and people with chronic lung conditions.