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When Queenstown Lakes District Council warned residents to boil water on Monday, there had been eight confirmed cases of cryptosporidium in the area. The next day that had almost doubled to 15.
There is no confirmed link to the water supply, but it cannot be ruled out as the source, the local … View moreWhen Queenstown Lakes District Council warned residents to boil water on Monday, there had been eight confirmed cases of cryptosporidium in the area. The next day that had almost doubled to 15.
There is no confirmed link to the water supply, but it cannot be ruled out as the source, the local council says, so we got the low down from a parasite expert on what exactly the gastro bug is, and what could be in store if you’ve accidently been guzzling infected water.
Is cryptosporidium really that bad?
It’s definitely a grim disease, says Otago University parasitologist Bruce Russell. It’s a gut parasite that can affect animals and humans and while it’s resistant to chlorine, it can be quashed by boiling water.
It’s passed on in the faeces of infected animals and humans, and people become infected, often through water contaminated by infected animal or human faeces.
Cryptosporidium cases tend to spike at the beginning of lambing season, largely from people handling the animals and winding up with, “sheep poo” all over you.
In fact, he says, a lot of farmers get the disease from direct contact with animals. Cases occur year-round in New Zealand, but particularly in the spring. While Russell says cryptosporidium is something that “hangs about in New Zealand all the time”, outbreaks, like what is happening in Queenstown at the moment, are “a bit different”.
How could it have got in the water supply?
If it is coming through the water supply it’s likely because, “a large quantity of infected poop is being washed into the waterways and the dam reservoir". “It’s a tough parasite to deal with”.
I accidently drank water from the tap, should I freak out?
Unfortunately, says Russell, there’s not a lot you can do, now but wait, boil water from now on and hope you don’t get sick.
If I do get the bug, just how bad will it get?
The good news is, if you’re healthy and fit it’s often not, “that bad of a disease”, but you may still feel pretty rough. It depends on the person, too. Russell has also had a few colleagues come down with it before who, “looked pretty wasted by it”.
What about my kids?
Unfortunately the population to “watch out for” are kids aged 1-4, who dehydrate quickly with diarrhoea. Russell says people should definitely seek medical attention for the kids if they develop symptoms. The other high risk population are immuno-compromised people, which this type of disease can “wreak havoc” on.
Just how long does the ‘grim’ disease last?
You’re probably going to be feeling pretty rough for about a week.
Is there a cure or vaccine?
There are no drugs or vaccines for cryptosporidium. Being a parasite, “these things are difficult to get drugs and vaccines for,” he says.
I drank water yesterday. How long until I know I’m safe?
This can depend on the person, says Russell, but most people will be waiting for about five days before they know if they’re sick.
OK, so it’s a gastro bug, what exactly are we talking about here?
After a few days people will, “start to feel a bit uncomfortable in the stomach”. Early symptoms include cramps, then people will start to feel a bit uncomfortable in the stomach. Cramps and fever are also early sign. Most cases will have “watery diarrhoea” and severe cases can also include vomiting.
How can I make myself feel better?
Russell says if you do get sick, it’s important to keep hydrated and take electrolytes. And “stay near the toilet”. Severe cases may need a drip to replace fluids.
Do I have to go to hospital?
If you come down with cryptosporidium, Russell says you should definitely see your GP or health provider.
“It’s a notifiable disease in New Zealand, so it’s important for our community that we know what’s going on.
“People that seek medical attention are real heroes, risking the trip to the hospital or GP to get treated,” he says.
“It can be a tough disease. Anyone who’s had it knows, one minute you might need to make a run for it.”
From tomorrow, 23 September, we will be offering 50% off adoption fees on canines in all of our centres nationwide - but only until 1 October!
If you've been thinking about adopting a puppy or dog from SPCA, now is the perfect time. We have hundreds of beautiful BFFs-to-be in our care right… View moreFrom tomorrow, 23 September, we will be offering 50% off adoption fees on canines in all of our centres nationwide - but only until 1 October!
If you've been thinking about adopting a puppy or dog from SPCA, now is the perfect time. We have hundreds of beautiful BFFs-to-be in our care right now, all patiently waiting for their forever home.
Start scrolling through all the adoption profiles on our website today and find the perfect fit for your family. Get 100% of the love, for 50% of the fee!
From tomorrow, 23 September, we will be offering 50% off adoption fees on canines in all of our centres nationwide - but only until 1 October!
If you've been thinking about adopting a puppy or dog from SPCA, now is the perfect time. We have hundreds of beautiful BFFs-to-be in our care right… View moreFrom tomorrow, 23 September, we will be offering 50% off adoption fees on canines in all of our centres nationwide - but only until 1 October!
If you've been thinking about adopting a puppy or dog from SPCA, now is the perfect time. We have hundreds of beautiful BFFs-to-be in our care right now, all patiently waiting for their forever home.
Start scrolling through all the adoption profiles on our website today and find the perfect fit for your family. Get 100% of the love, for 50% of the fee!
Dear neighbours, we're looking forward to spring and summer, and strawberries! Well, right now particularly we are looking for strawberry recipes for the magazine. Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by September 17, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the November issue of… View moreDear neighbours, we're looking forward to spring and summer, and strawberries! Well, right now particularly we are looking for strawberry recipes for the magazine. Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by September 17, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the November issue of NZ Gardener.
We can all generally agree that noise from loud music or parties in the early hours of Sunday is a no-no. But when is it okay to fire up the power tools, leaf blower or lawn mower on a Sunday morning?
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say… View moreWe can all generally agree that noise from loud music or parties in the early hours of Sunday is a no-no. But when is it okay to fire up the power tools, leaf blower or lawn mower on a Sunday morning?
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
Tidying up the house? Don't forget to tidy up your bills too!
Is your broadband contract or power contract expiring soon? Now's the perfect time to COMPARE and SWITCH your broadband and power plans for a fresh start. Save money this Spring!
As Daylight Savings starts this Sunday, … View moreTidying up the house? Don't forget to tidy up your bills too!
Is your broadband contract or power contract expiring soon? Now's the perfect time to COMPARE and SWITCH your broadband and power plans for a fresh start. Save money this Spring!
As Daylight Savings starts this Sunday, remember to set your clocks before bedtime.
We’re so excited to let you know that the NZ House & Garden Tours are back for another sell-out summer. ☀️
In 2024, we're visiting Queenstown (16 & 17 February), Christchurch (23 & 24 February), Whanganui (15 & 16 March) and Tauranga (22 & 23 March).
Whether … View moreWe’re so excited to let you know that the NZ House & Garden Tours are back for another sell-out summer. ☀️
In 2024, we're visiting Queenstown (16 & 17 February), Christchurch (23 & 24 February), Whanganui (15 & 16 March) and Tauranga (22 & 23 March).
Whether you’re a design enthusiast or just want to take a peek inside some of New Zealand's most beautiful homes, join us for a day of inspiration and fun. It’s the perfect excuse for you to gather a group of friends and make a day ... or weekend of it. These tours proudly support Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.
🚨 Tickets are on sale now! Purchase your tickets here.
Try our online heart-health tool 'My Heart Check' to find out your estimated heart age compared to your actual age. The result may surprise you!
Click the link to find out more.
Costs are on the rise! Who's the hero doing the hard yards to keep things running in your household?
NZ Compare wants to pay $350 towards their Broadband and Power bill! Nominate NOW! Entry ends 28 Sep 2023.
Need more ways to save money? Comparing your power and broadband bills is one … View moreCosts are on the rise! Who's the hero doing the hard yards to keep things running in your household?
NZ Compare wants to pay $350 towards their Broadband and Power bill! Nominate NOW! Entry ends 28 Sep 2023.
Need more ways to save money? Comparing your power and broadband bills is one way to see if you can save more or simply switch to something that better suits your needs. If you’re paying for it, make sure it works for you.
With the election just over a month away, kiwis are thinking about where to put their vote. For some, individual policies don't matter too much as they'll always vote the same. And for others, their political leanings have changed over time or with each election. Will your vote be vastly … View moreWith the election just over a month away, kiwis are thinking about where to put their vote. For some, individual policies don't matter too much as they'll always vote the same. And for others, their political leanings have changed over time or with each election. Will your vote be vastly different this year?
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
Did you know over 4,000 New Zealand men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year? In fact one in eight will get it during their lifetime.
We're proud to be supporting Paint It Blue once again in 2023 - and we'd love our neighbours to be involved too.
Simply buy any blue … View moreDid you know over 4,000 New Zealand men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year? In fact one in eight will get it during their lifetime.
We're proud to be supporting Paint It Blue once again in 2023 - and we'd love our neighbours to be involved too.
Simply buy any blue Resene testpot 60mL between 8-21 September and Resene will donate $1 to The Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand! Visit your local Resene ColorShop to find your new favourite blues.
From Saturday, 23 September, we will be offering 50% adoption fees on canines in all of our Centres nationwide!
If you've been thinking about adopting a puppy or dog from SPCA, now is the perfect time. We have hundreds of beautiful BFFs-to-be in our care right now, all patiently waiting … View moreFrom Saturday, 23 September, we will be offering 50% adoption fees on canines in all of our Centres nationwide!
If you've been thinking about adopting a puppy or dog from SPCA, now is the perfect time. We have hundreds of beautiful BFFs-to-be in our care right now, all patiently waiting for their forever home.
Start scrolling through all the adoption profiles on our website today and find the perfect fit for your family. Get a friend for life this spring at www.spca.nz...
Kia Ora wonderful neighbours!
Have you noticed your broadband costs going up lately?
If you're a customer of one of the big providers Spark or One NZ, we'd love to hear how long have you been a loyal customer to them?
If you have family who have been feeling cold in their home through winter, help may be at hand to make their home warm, dry, and healthy.
They might be eligible for Warmer Kiwi Homes, a government grant offering 80% - 90% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to 80% off an … View moreIf you have family who have been feeling cold in their home through winter, help may be at hand to make their home warm, dry, and healthy.
They might be eligible for Warmer Kiwi Homes, a government grant offering 80% - 90% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to 80% off an energy-efficient heater, like a heat pump.
In August, the eligibility criteria were extended so over 50,000 more homes are eligible for insulation grants. It gets better - there are lots of community organisations offering extra funding to reduce the cost further.
Go to our website to check their eligibility, today.
NZ House & Garden is giving your family the chance to win an iconic Heirloom Legacy Pan worth $399 thanks to Ironclad Pan Co. Each pan comes with your family name stamped on the base to make sure it’s cherished for generations to come.
To be in to WIN, … View moreNZ House & Garden is giving your family the chance to win an iconic Heirloom Legacy Pan worth $399 thanks to Ironclad Pan Co. Each pan comes with your family name stamped on the base to make sure it’s cherished for generations to come.
To be in to WIN, purchase a 1 or 2-year NZ House & Garden subscription before midnight on 17 September and you’ll automatically go in the draw. Returning subscribers can also enter by renewing at the advertised rate. T&Cs apply.
The team at NZ House & Garden.
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