100 cases of gastroenteritis reported weekly after Campylobacter spike in Auckland

 Auckland has seen a spike in reported stomach bugs in recent weeks.

Gastroenteritis illnesses, commonly caused by contaminated food and water, have been reported more than 100 times a week to the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS).

The most common forms of gastroenteritis are Campylobacter and Salmonella. Cases of Campylobacter, more than half of which are typically linked to a bug in the gut and faeces of chickens, have more than doubled in the past two weeks.

Dr Jay Harrower, a spokesman for ARPHS, said though the illness could be serious, there were ways to reduce the risk.

“Most importantly chill, prepare and cover poultry properly – store it in containers, keep it chilled, defrost it thoroughly, keep it separate, cook it fully and wash your hands regularly when preparing it,” said Harrower.

“And avoid the common mistake of washing raw chicken - it’s a recipe for spreading and spraying the nasty bugs.”

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of Campylobacter in the world. Between 6,000 and 7,000 people are diagnosed with the infection every year, according to National Episurv data.

Symptoms of Campylobacter can include stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting. These can last for a week or longer, and 500 people are hospitalised every year with the infection.

But it’s estimated thousands more are affected by the illness, but don’t seek medical attention.

In extreme cases, the illness can lead to Guillain-Barre syndrome – a disorder that causes the body’s immune system to attack its nerves, causing paralysis.

NZ Food Safety advises Kiwis to take extra care when storing and preparing meat. Keeping raw meat and poultry covered and stored away from ready-to-eat food, fruit and vegetables is an easy way to prevent the illness spread.

Anyone preparing raw meat should wash their hands with soap and hot water before and after handling, using separate chopping boards, completely defrosting meat before use and cooking meat – in particular poultry, until juices run clear.

While gastroenteritis is most commonly spread through food, cases also occur when people swim in contaminated water.

You can check the Safeswim website for water quality advice.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/300485595/100-cases-of-gastroenteritis-reported-weekly-after-campylobacter-spike-in-auckland