Record rise in stomach upsets

Medical Officer of Health Clair Mills

A rise in stomach bugs has Northland health officials worried, with the highest number of campylobacter cases since 2007 and the highest ever cases of the toxic E. Coli disease.

Northland Medical Officer of Health Clair Mills said so far this year in Northland there have been 310 reported cases of campylobacter, with 123 in the spring season from August 1 to October 30. This is the highest number since 2007.

"We've also had 18 notifications of VTEC (toxin producing E.coli) this year to date, which exceeds already all previous years' total notifications for VTEC. National surveillance shows higher rates of VTEC across New Zealand than in previous years," Dr Mills said.

Both are strongly associated with contact with farm animals- mainly cows.

"Northland is currently experiencing higher numbers of campylobacter, toxic E. Coli (VTEC) and other gastrointestinal diseases.

These infections tend to have seasonal peaks and numbers are usually higher in spring and summer. However, current numbers are meeting historical threshold limits."

She said people who live in rural areas or work on farms, or have tank water supplies, are at higher risk of infection. Young children and infants are especially vulnerable to infection and are also more likely to become dehydrated quickly of they get diarrhoea and vomiting. In children VTEC can also cause severe kidney damage.

"This year we have also seen some cases of campylobacter associated with drinking raw milk. Many people who drink raw milk are not fully aware of the risks, and don't realise that raw (unpasteurised) milk has not been treated to destroy harmful bacteria like TB or campylobacter," Dr Mills said.

"Raw milk is especially risky for young children and infants, pregnant women, and for people who are immuno-suppressed, such as those on cancer treatment."

The Ministry of Health and the Ministry for Primary Industries recommends that those more at risk do not consume raw milk.

"I also recommend that if people choose to buy raw milk they do so within the current regulations, that is, directly from the farm gate, and a maximum of 5 litres." said Dr Mills.

"Raw milk should also be kept refrigerated and boiled until bubbles appear before consumption."

People can contact Public Health at Northland DHB if they have concerns about food-related illness by calling 09 4304100 and asking to speak to the Health Protection Officer on call.

"You can also call Healthline free on 0800 611 116 24 hours a day for medical advice," Dr Mills said.