Christchurch Health Authorities Issue Warning Over Norovirus

By HANN, Arwen

Health officials are warning people not to eat shellfish from Christchurch beaches after high levels of norovirus were detected.

Medical officer of health Alistair Humphrey said people should not collect or eat any shellfish from anywhere between Scarborough and Waimari beaches.

In recent Christchurch City Council tests the shellfish have been found to have levels of norovirus above the safety limit.

“Possible sources include infected individuals who have been boating, swimming or surfing in the area, or the Avon or Heathcote rivers after heavy rainfall when these rivers are known to have been contaminated with sewage,” Humphrey said.

People suffering from norovirus should avoid recreational water areas like the sea as viruses could survive in the sea for a long time and were concentrated in shellfish.

The bug, which causes sickness and diarrhoea and may also cause fever, chills and headaches, has swept Christchurch hospitals in recent weeks, closing several wards.

Seven rest homes also had confirmed outbreaks during the past month, but Humphrey said it was difficult to tell if there had been a real increase in norovirus in Christchurch because most cases were not recorded.

A Canterbury District Health Board spokeswoman said one ward at the Princess Margaret Hospital was still closed and seven wards at Christchurch Hospital were affected.

The wards at Christchurch Hospital were not closed, but some patients were in isolation.

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