22 June 2006<%=replace((Recordset1.Fields.Item("NewsStory").Value),VbCrLf,"
")%>

Auckland Regional Public Health Service
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&")" %>On 20 June 2006, Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) was notified of an outbreak of gastroenteritis affecting patrons who attended the NZ All Black – Irish Rugby test at Eden Park on Saturday 17 June. Those affected appear to be patrons dining in some corporate hospitality areas at Eden Park that evening.

ARPHS is undertaking an investigation to endeavour to identify the source of infection.

The features of the illness are those of 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 or through eating contaminated food, 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 at least 24 hours symptom free 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 Ph 623 4600.

A further media update will be sent at 11.00am, 23 June 2006.

Dr Greg Simmons
Medical Officer of Health
Auckland Regional Public Health Service

Ends

Fleur King
External Communications Manager
Auckland District Health Board

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