There has been a significant increase in cryptosporidiosis notifications in recent weeks. Since the start of 2024 until 8 March, there have been 262 cases across Aotearoa notified to public health services, compared to a 5-year average of 81 cases over the same time period.
So far this year, 83 per cent of cases have been among people living in urban areas, primarily within Auckland, Waikato and Canterbury.
Te Whatu Ora communications are being issued shortly urging the public to:
Cryptosporidiosis cases can continue to shed the cryptosporidium parasite for up to two weeks after other symptoms have resolved.
Please ensure patients with gastroenteritis symptoms are provided with these messages, especially around staying away from recreational swimming facilities after having diarrhoea.
All public health services across the motu have been asked to complete case reports for crypto cases. The National Public Health Service has also increased disease surveillance across the country to closely monitor crypto notifications and the spread of the disease.
Similar health advisories have also been issued recently by Australian health authorities. It is supspected the increase in notifications is linked to the recent warmer climate and increased rates of recreational swimming.
There is no risk from public drinking water supplies.
For further information visit the Te Whatu Ora website.
Liza has been a GP for over 15 years, initially in the North of England and now in Gisborne, New Zealand. She's recently joined Pinnacle MHN as GP liaison for Tairāwhiti.
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