23 June 2006<%=replace((Recordset1.Fields.Item("NewsStory").Value),VbCrLf,"
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Auckland Regional Public Health Service
Update Eden Park Gastroenteritis Outbreak

<% If (Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories1").Value) <> "" OR (Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories1").Value) <> null Then SQLWhere = " AND (NewsStory LIKE '%"&(Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories1").Value)&"%' OR NewsHeadline LIKE '%"&(Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories1").Value)&"%'" End If If (Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories2").Value) <> "" OR (Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories2").Value) <> null Then SQLWhere = SQLWhere&" OR NewsStory LIKE '%"&(Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories2").Value)&"%' OR NewsHeadline LIKE '%"&(Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories2").Value)&"%'" End If If (Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories3").Value) <> "" OR (Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories3").Value) <> null Then SQLWhere = SQLWhere&" OR NewsStory LIKE '%"&(Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories3").Value)&"%' OR NewsHeadline LIKE '%"&(Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories2").Value)&"%'" End If If (Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories4").Value) <> "" OR (Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories4").Value) <> null Then SQLWhere = SQLWhere&" OR NewsStory LIKE '%"&(Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories4").Value)&"%' OR NewsHeadline LIKE '%"&(Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories2").Value)&"%'" End If If (Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories5").Value) <> "" OR (Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories5").Value) <> null Then SQLWhere = SQLWhere&" OR NewsStory LIKE '%"&(Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories5").Value)&"%' OR NewsHeadline LIKE '%"&(Recordset1.Fields.Item("RelatedStories2").Value)&"%'" End If SQLWhere = SQLWhere&")" %>Auckland Regional Public Health Services advises that confirmation of the cause of the Eden Park gastroenteritis outbreak will not be available until the end of next week.

Interviews are being conducted with patrons who dined in four separate corporate hospitality areas at Eden Park on the evening of 17 June. At present interviews are have been completed for over 200 patrons. Over half of those interviewed to date have reported illness.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Services continues to make contact with all organisations that had tables booked at the various functions. This process should be complete by the end of today.

Tests are being conducted on samples from ill patrons and selected foods to confirm norovirus infection. Norovirus is a very common cause of gastroenteritis in the community. Symptoms are predominantly vomiting and diarrhoea which usually last approximately 48 hours. If symptoms are severe or prolonged, dehydration may occur. The illness is usually self-limiting but may be worse in the young and the elderly. Those severely affected should consult a doctor.

Norovirus is highly infectious and can be spread person to person, through eating contaminated food, or ingesting water contaminated with human sewage. The most important way of preventing spread is thorough hand hygiene (washing hands for 20 seconds using soap and running water and drying for 20 seconds) after going to the toilet and before preparing food.

Those with symptoms should remain at home until they are free of symptoms for at least 24 hours and avoid preparing food for others. In a family setting it is important for those with symptoms to avoid contact with the elderly and the young.

Anyone who attended the event and is ill can contact the ARPHS investigation team on 09 623 4600 in business hours.

For more information contact:

Dr Julia Peters
Auckland Regional Public Health Service
Ph 09 623 4600

Ends

Fleur King
External Communications Manager
Auckland District Health Board

Phone: 09 630 9952
Fax: 09 630 9789
Mobile: 021 804 122