Category: Health

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CYANOBACTERIAL WARNING UPDATE: Significant rise of cyanobacterial levels for Lake Ngā Roto

Source: Waikato District Health Board

Cyanobacterial levels at Lake Ngā Roto have risen to extremely high levels this week, with a consequential increase in health risk to the public. The cyanobacteria biovolume is 123mm3/L compared to the New Zealand guideline level of 1.8mm3/L.

A health warning was issued for Lake Ngā Roto on 8 November 2023. The Te Whatu Ora Waikato Public Health Service is issuing this update to warn people of this significant increase in cyanobacterial levels.

Cyanobacterial bloom at Lake Ngā Roto – image courtesy of Mark Palmer

“We strongly recommend that people avoid any recreational activities that involves contact with the water” says Dr Richard Wall, Medical Officer of Health for Waikato. “People using boats are also advised to stay off the lake, because of the risk of contact with the water”.

The predominant cyanobacterial species present in the lake is a type that is known to produce toxins in New Zealand, which can cause serious illness. The cyanobacterial bloom extends to most parts of the

lake, and is not restricted to the edges of the lake. However, scums may accumulate along the shoreline and are a particular risk as they may contain particularly high levels of toxins.

Cyanobacterial toxins can trigger asthma and hayfever symptoms, can cause skin rashes, stomach upsets, and in some cases neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.

These symptoms may not appear until some time after contact with the affected water. Long-term exposure to cyanobacterial toxins may cause additional health risks.

If contact with water does occur, skin should be rinsed clean and clothing changed as soon as possible.

Dog owners should prevent their dogs from drinking or swimming in the water, as dogs are particularly sensitive to cyanobacteria.

Te Whatu Ora Public Health Unit for Waikato would like to be informed about health problems that develop after exposure to any of the Waikato lakes. Phone Waikato Public Health Service: 07 838 2569.

Lakes Hakanoa, Waikare and Kainui continue to have a cyanobacterial health warning in place.

Up-to-date information on cyanobacterial risk is available by visiting the Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website at https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/waikato-region/

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What is radium?

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

In New Zealand as in many other countries radium has been used for various reasons such as its incorporation into luminous paint for watch dials and hands, alongside its implementation into medicines and therapeutic applications.

This information sheet provides an overview of radium in New Zealand, explains what radium is, its historic uses, associated health risks, and offers practical advice on identifying, storing, and handling radium devices safely.

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CYANOBACTERIAL WARNING UPDATE: Health warning lifted for Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake)

Source: Waikato District Health Board

CYANOBACTERIAL WARNING UPDATE: Health warning lifted for Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake) and remains in place for Lake Ngā Roto, Hakanoa, Waikare and Kainui.

The Public Health warning issued on 5 October 2023 for Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake) has now been lifted, after subsequent tests showed that cyanobacterial levels to be once again below the warning level. Lakes Ngā Roto, Hakanoa, Waikare and Kainui continue to have a cyanobacterial health warning in place.

Waikato Regional Council monitors cyanobacteria levels at Lakes Kainui, Rotokauri, Ngā Roto, Puketirini, Waikare, Whangape, Hakanoa and Waahi.

Dr Felicity Dumble, Te Whatu Ora Medical Officer of Health for Waikato recommends that where cyanobacteria health warnings are in place, lakes should not be used for any activity that involves skin contact with the affected water.

“Swallowing water from lakes affected by blooms should also be avoided,” said Dr Dumble.

Cyanobacteria can release toxins which can trigger asthma and hayfever symptoms, and can cause skin rashes, stomach upsets, and in some cases neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.

These symptoms may not appear until some time after contact with the affected water.

Scums are a particular risk because they contain a high level of toxins.  If contact with scum does occur, skin should be rinsed clean and clothing changed as soon as possible. This warning is particularly important for children.”

“If people do come into contact with the lake when warnings are in place, or any other lake where there are visible changes to water colour, they should shower and change their clothing as soon as possible afterwards, even if no symptoms are noticeable,” she said.

Dog owners should prevent their dogs from drinking or swimming in the water, as dogs are particularly sensitive to cyanobacteria.

Te Whatu Ora Public Health Unit for Waikato would like to be informed about health problems that develop after exposure to any of the Waikato lakes.

Up-to-date information on cyanobacterial cell counts is available from local councils, Waikato Regional Council or by visiting the Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website at https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/waikato-region/

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CYANOBACTERIAL WARNING UPDATE: Health warning lifted for Lake Whangape

Source: Waikato District Health Board

CYANOBACTERIAL WARNING UPDATE: Health warning lifted for Lake Whangape and remains in place for Lakes Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake), Ngā Roto, Hakanoa, Waikare and Kainui.

The Public Health warning issued on 7 July 2021 for Lake Whangape has now been lifted, after subsequent tests showed that cyanobacterial levels to be once again below the warning level. Lakes Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake), Ngā Roto, Hakanoa, Waikare and Kainui continue to have a cyanobacterial health warning in place.

Waikato Regional Council monitors cyanobacteria levels at Lakes Kainui, Rotokauri, Ngā Roto, Puketirini, Waikare, Whangape, Hakanoa and Waahi.

Dr Felicity Dumble, Te Whatu Ora Medical Officer of Health for Waikato recommends that where cyanobacteria health warnings are in place, lakes should not be used for any activity that involves skin contact with the affected water.

“Swallowing water from lakes affected by blooms should also be avoided,” said Dr Dumble.

Cyanobacteria can release toxins which can trigger asthma and hayfever symptoms, and can cause skin rashes, stomach upsets, and in some cases neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.

These symptoms may not appear until some time after contact with the affected water.

Scums are a particular risk because they contain a high level of toxins.  If contact with scum does occur, skin should be rinsed clean and clothing changed as soon as possible. This warning is particularly important for children.”

“If people do come into contact with the lake when warnings are in place, or any other lake where there are visible changes to water colour, they should shower and change their clothing as soon as possible afterwards, even if no symptoms are noticeable,” she said.

Dog owners should prevent their dogs from drinking or swimming in the water, as dogs are particularly sensitive to cyanobacteria.

Te Whatu Ora Public Health Unit for Waikato would like to be informed about health problems that develop after exposure to any of the Waikato lakes. Phone Waikato Public Health Service: 07 838 2569.

Up-to-date information on cyanobacterial cell counts is available from local councils, Waikato Regional Council or by visiting the Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website at https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/waikato-region/

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Health warning issued for Lake Ngā Roto

Source: Waikato District Health Board

CYANOBACTERIAL WARNING UPDATE: Health warning issued for Lake Ngā Roto and remains in place for Lakes Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake), Hakanoa, Whangape, Waikare and Kainui.

A new health warning has been issued today for Lake Ngā Roto due to a significant rise in cyanobacteria levels. Lakes Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake), Hakanoa, Whangape, Waikare and Kainui continue to have a cyanobacterial health warning in place.

Cyanobacterial bloom at Lake Ngā Roto – image courtesy of Mark Foster

Waikato Regional Council monitors cyanobacteria levels at Lakes Kainui, Rotokauri, Ngā Roto, Puketirini, Waikare, Whangape, Hakanoa and Waahi.

Dr Richard Vipond, Te Whatu Ora Medical Officer of Health for Waikato recommends that where cyanobacteria health warnings are in place, lakes should not be used for any activity that involves skin contact with the affected water.

“Swallowing water from lakes affected by blooms should also be avoided,” said Dr Vipond.

Cyanobacteria can release toxins which can trigger asthma and hayfever symptoms, and can cause skin rashes, stomach upsets, and in some cases neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.

These symptoms may not appear until some time after contact with the affected water.

Scums are a particular risk because they contain a high level of toxins.  If contact with scum does occur, skin should be rinsed clean and clothing changed as soon as possible. This warning is particularly important for children.”

“If people do come into contact with the lake when warnings are in place, or any other lake where there are visible changes to water colour, they should shower and change their clothing as soon as possible afterwards, even if no symptoms are noticeable,” he said.

Dog owners should prevent their dogs from drinking or swimming in the water, as dogs are particularly sensitive to cyanobacteria.

Te Whatu Ora Public Health Unit for Waikato would like to be informed about health problems that develop after exposure to any of the Waikato lakes.

Up-to-date information on cyanobacterial cell counts is available from local councils, Waikato Regional Council or by visiting the Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website

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Ratonga Whakatahe i Aotearoa | Abortion Services Aotearoa New Zealand: Annual Report 2023

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Summary

This report provides an overview of the abortion services work of Manatū Hauora between October 2022 and September 2023.

The abortion statistics covering the 2022 calendar year provide additional insight into abortion services across Aotearoa. Areas of focus include meeting Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and improving equity and access.

Key achievements include increased accessibility through the growth of the abortion workforce and number of facilities providing local in-person abortion services. Endorsement of early medical abortion (EMA) training for midwives, and access to EMA through a national telehealth service – DECIDE, have also facilitated this increase in accessible service provision.

The implementation of 11 Safe Areas, accounting for about one-third of all current abortion service providers, have been established at the time of publication to protect the safety, wellbeing, privacy, and dignity of people who are accessing, or providing, abortion services.

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Manatū Hauora | Ministry of Health Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2023

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

The 2022/23 Manatū Hauora | Ministry of Health Annual Report sets out who we are and what we do, how we manage our business, our progress towards our 2022-26 strategic intentions. The annual report also includes our financial statements and statement of service performance as specified in Vote Health – Main Estimates of Appropriation 2022/23 and (where updated) in Vote Health – Supplementary Estimates of Appropriation 2022/23 as required under the Public Finance Act 1989. 

The Ministry has achieved a lot in the past 12 months since the reform of our health system began with the new health entities stood up including the creation of the Public Health Agency within Manatū Hauora – on 1 July 2022. The reforms support a more equitable, accessible, cohesive and people centred system that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders. 

Over the last 12 months, we have sharpened our focus on our key role as kaitiaki | chief steward of our reformed health system and taken a closer look at how we operate, so we are well set up to deliver on our purpose and role. 

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National Polio Outbreak Preparedness and Response Framework for Aotearoa New Zealand

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

The National Poliomyelitis Response Framework provides a toolkit for how Aotearoa would respond to various scenarios in which there was detection of polio, including a polio outbreak, in New Zealand. 

The framework was a response to the increase in polio activity in areas of the world that have previously seen polio eradicated, partly because of global decline in immunisation rates. Te Pou Hauora Tūmatanui – the Public Health Agency, within Manatū Hauora, Te Whatu Ora – the National Public Health Service, Te Aka Whai Ora, ESR and Whaikaha were all involved in its development. 

Aotearoa New Zealand continues to be polio-free and remains committed to preventing polio circulating in Aotearoa. 

The framework considers four scenarios: 

  • detection of poliovirus through wastewater surveillance 
  • detection of poliovirus in an acute flaccid paralysis case, which is essentially rapid weakening of a person’s muscles 
  • identification of a contact of known polio case overseas 
  • exposure to poliovirus in a lab facility. 

Options for responding to an outbreak or heightened risk include ramping up national and locally targeted immunisation campaigns, particularly in areas of low coverage or high exposure and increasing testing and subsequent case and contact management.  

There are also options for enhancing surveillance in response to an outbreak or heightened risk, including further targeted wastewater testing, stool sampling for all people hospitalised with neurological illnesses, and stool sampling healthy children in communities where there is concern about potential transmission. 

The framework is one of several measures developed to prepare for a polio outbreak. Others include poliovirus wastewater testing and surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis cases. Te Whatu Ora also provides detailed advice on management of polio to clinicians and health providers via the Communicable Disease Control Manual. 

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Huri Whenua marks the start of Waikato’s new mental health facility

Source: Waikato District Health Board

A huri whenua (sod-turning) ceremony was held at Waiora Waikato hospital campus today (19 October) in preparation for construction to start on the new Adult Acute Mental Health Inpatient Facility.

The ceremony was led by Kaunihera Kaumatua and mana whenua Te Haa o te Whenua o Kirikiriroa and brought together Te Whatu Ora mental health and addiction services staff, tangata whaiora/service users, project teams and partners.

Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand Regional Director Hospital and Specialist Services for Te Manawa Taki, Chris Lowry, acknowledged the work of the many people who had supported the design and planning process.

“This is a significant milestone on our journey to delivering a new mental health facility to support our community and staff,” said Ms Lowry.

The Adult Acute Mental Health Inpatient Facility has been designed to provide a welcoming and therapeutic environment for people experiencing mental illness and reflects an adult acute health care plan that incorporates key cultural elements.

The new facility will have eight internal courtyards, maximising natural light use, and will provide space for 64 beds.

A further programme of work to deliver additional community services is underway alongside the development of this facility.

The current Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre is no longer considered suitable for contemporary approaches to mental healthcare, making the new facility a much-needed addition.

The new facility is being built on the current site of the Waikato Regional Renal Centre.

It will be built in two phases, allowing the new renal centre to be completed first and the services to move across, making way for the mental health building.

We are in the process of confirming a construction contract for the mental health facility and it is expected an agreement will be able to be announced soon.

The renal building is expected to be completed in December 2024, with the mental health facility reaching practical completion in 2026.