Media Statement: Cryptosporidium Outbreak 26 September

As of 10 am, Tuesday 26 September, there are 35 confirmed cases of cryptosporidium (crypto), 8 probable cases, and 7 under investigation.  

A source of infection has yet to be identified, but investigations are actively ongoing as we work to determine the source. We are working closely with Queenstown Lakes District Council, Taumata Arowai and the Ministry of Primary Industries to ensure all possibilities are being considered. 

Public Health Kaimahi Visiting Queenstown Businesses  

Public Health kaimahi will be out visiting Queenstown businesses over the next few days, delivering specimen containers to anyone who would like one.  

We would like to make it as easy as possible for people to get tested for crypto if they have symptoms, even if they are mild.  

People will be supplied a full collection kit and instructions on how to collect their sample. They can then collect their sample themselves and drop it off at the Queenstown Medical Centre anytime between 8am and 8pm (they will not need to book in advance).  

Getting tested, even if you have mild symptoms, can help us track the infection and potentially help us discover the source of the outbreak.  

We continue to investigate all potential sources of infection.  

Using swimming and spa pools  

No one who has had symptoms of crypto (diarrhoea) should enter a swimming or spa pool, until they have been symptom free for two weeks. This includes sharing bath water with others.  

The majority of crypto outbreaks associated with swimming and spa pools occur from contamination within the pool. The little cryptosporidiosis cysts can still be present, even if you don't have symptoms, and can break off and go into the water, where they can survive outside the body.  

Public health advice: 

• The most common symptom of cryptosporidium infection is smelly, watery diarrhoea and stomach cramps. 
• People who live, work or have visited Queenstown and Frankton on or after August 18 and have symptoms of diarrhoea and/or stomach cramps, should call their GP or health provider to inform them and arrange testing if needed.  
• You can call Healthline at any time on 0800 611 116 for advice for managing your health. 
• Most people manage self-limiting illnesses such as gastroenteritis at home and do not seek medical care or testing. 
• The best thing you and your whānau can do to stop the spread of cryptosporidium (crypto) infection is to practise good hand hygiene. This means washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them thoroughly with a clean towel. 
• Hand sanitiser is not effective for countering crypto.  
• If you are on a boil water notice, please boil water in advance if you are able to. Plan ahead in case of power cuts. Boil water for 1 minute and store in a clean container with a lid. 
• Lakes District Hospital has clean water, and a water tanker has been brought in to continue to supply clean water.