Flooding in Nelson Tasman may have led to an increase in Campylobacter cases. Photo: Supplied/ Jodie Reed
There have been 12 cases of Campylobacter reported in the Nelson Tasman districts over the past month, as the region deals with the aftermath of two severe flood events, Health NZ (HNZ) says.
All bore water owners were asked to continue to boil their water as a precaution.
Medical officer of health of the National Public Health Service, Dr Alexandra Greig, said it was an increase in gastrointestinal illness for the region compared to the same period in previous years.
Dr Greig said seven of the 12 cases were potentially related to drinking water.
However, Greig said the analysis could not directly link the outbreak to contamination caused by the flooding.
"This analysis cannot differentiate flood-associated drinking water exposures from other drinking water exposures."
HNZ earlier said floodwater and silt could be contaminated with faeces, and agricultural or industrial waste, and often carried bugs that could cause gastrointestinal illnesses.
It said the number of cases does not capture people who had managed their symptoms at home without seeing a doctor.
The National Public Health Service in Nelson-Marlborough would continue to enhance surveillance for gastrointestinal cases in the region that may be associated with flooding, given the increased risks in the area, the agency said.
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