Increased cases of campylobacteriosis in Nelson Marlborough

PRESS RELEASE
July 10
2018

There was an increase in campylobacteriosis
case notifications in the last four weeks in Nelson
Marlborough area.

24 cases were notified to the
Hygienist in the last four weeks
to a range of 6-16 cases in the same period during the
five years ago.

Nelson Marlborough Health works
with the Ministry of Primary Industries, the Ministry of
Health and the Institute of Environmental Sciences and
Research to try to identify the reasons for the

A number of known risk factors
campylobacteriosis have been identified in people
affected. These are: drinking raw milk (unpasteurized) or
untreated water and contact with animals and / or diapers.

A single cause has not yet been found and
investigations are in progress.

About
campylobacteriosis
Campylobacteriosis is a common water
and gastro-intestinal illness caused by bacteria
transmitted in the feces of infected birds, animals
humans. Immunocompromised people, elderly or very
young people are at greater risk of serious illness, which can rarely
to be fatal. Campylobacteriosis can be contracted
through:

• consumption of raw milk
• uncooked consumption
poultry
• consumption of untreated beverages
water
• contact with pets and infected farms
animals
• contact with layers of
infants
Information on symptoms and medical treatment
can be read here:

https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/c/campylobacter/

Food
safety tips
MPI tips for food safety:
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety/food-safety-for-consumers/tips-for-food-safety/
Ministry
health tips on untreated boiling water to make it safe
to drink:
https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/healthy-living/drinking-water/water-contamination-events

About
raw milk and campylobacter
Nelson Marlborough Medical
Health worker Stephen Bridgman advises people against
drinking raw milk and saying that raw milk is a risky food for
someone to consume, but the following people are particularly
at risk of serious illness:

• young children and
babies
• elderly
• pregnant
women
• people whose immune systems are weakened
Bridgman encourages people who have decided not to follow
health tips and drinking raw milk, to follow the MPI
tips on reducing their risk of getting sick:
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety/food-safety-for-consumers/is-it-safe-to-eat/raw-milk

ends

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