Pātiki and Waharua Kōpito patterns
The National Public Health Service in Nelson-Marlborough (part of Health New Zealand) is carrying out enhanced surveillance for cases of illness that may be associated with the recent flooding events.
There has been an increase in cases notified to the Nelson-Marlborough public health service of gastrointestinal illnesses, though numbers overall are small. Case investigations are undertaken but many have a variety of flood-associated exposures such that we are unable to confirm if the increase is directly related to contaminated drinking water from the flood events, contact with contaminated water or land, or from other sources such as food.
The Tasman District Council’s reticulated schemes have been tested, and the Council has no concerns about the quality of water from those sources, however:
- All bore water owners have been advised to boil their water as a precaution.
- If you have received a ‘boil water notice’ please follow the instructions outlined on Tasman District Council website -
www.tasman.govt.nz/boil-water-notice (external link).
Find information on how to stay well during a boil water notice on the Water Services Authority website - www.taumataarowai.govt.nz/boil-water-notice (external link). - People on council rural water supplies should check the council website for advice.
Floodwater and silt can be contaminated with faecal material (poo), agricultural, or industrial wastes, and often carry bugs that can cause gastrointestinal (vomiting and diarrhoea), skin and eye infections. People should treat all surface water as contaminated and keep children and pets away from contaminated areas until they have been cleaned up. To keep safe and healthy when cleaning up a flood affected area it’s important to:
- Cover any cuts or wounds with waterproof bandages.
- Wear a properly fitted mask (92 and N95 masks are the best, but surgical masks will still help).
- Wash hands with soap with safe warm water or an alcohol-based sanitiser before eating, drinking, touching your mouth or face.
Following a flood event, it’s important that water used for drinking, preparing food or drinks (including baby formula), brushing teeth, or washing dishes and utensils is safe and free from contamination that could cause illness.
We encourage anyone who is experiencing symptoms of gastrointestinal disease after the flooding events, including experiencing diarrhoea, or vomiting, to call Healthline for advice on 0800 611 116, or contact their GP.
For more information, please visit Health NZ Information Health website: info.health.nz/floods-and-health (external link)