14 July 2006<%=replace((Recordset1.Fields.Item("NewsStory").Value),VbCrLf,"
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<% NewsURL = Recordset1.Fields.Item("URL").Value if NewsURL <> "" OR NewsURL <> "http://www.adhb.govt.nz" Then response.write "Click here for more information. ("&NewsURL&")" end if %>Auckland Regional Public Health Service
Report on Eden Park Gastroenteritis Outbreak Released

<% 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&")" %>The investigation by the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) into the cause of the Eden Park gastroenteritis outbreak is complete. ARPHS has released its report of the investigation of events relating to illness among patrons attending the rugby test at Eden Park on 17 June 2006.

The cause of illness was confirmed as a virus called 'norovirus' a fairly common cause of gastroenteritis in the community. Overall, 30% of 387 patrons interviewed reported illness with symptoms experienced by the cases including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever and chills.

The proportion of those interviewed who reported illness in he 4 hospitality areas investigated ranged from 8% in the 'Boot Party' area to 47% in the 'Hall of Legends'. The consumption of a number of foods was associated with an increased risk of illness. Those who developed gastroenteritis following the Eden Park event were 32 times more likely to have consumed oysters than those who were well.

Norovirus (genogroups I and II) was detected in samples provided by four of the cases. Three samples from unopened packages of oysters from the same batches of imported Korean Pacific oysters which had been served raw at the event tested positive for norovirus (genogroups I and II). Packaging containing these oysters displayed labelling stating that the product should only be consumed after cooking. No other pathogens were detected in faecal or food samples. Two brands of New Zealand-grown oysters of the same batches as consumed at Eden Park on 17 June tested negative for norovirus.

Based on the attack rates for each of the four hospitality areas and the total number of patrons dining there, an estimated 352 people would have developed illness over the ensuing three days. The cost to New Zealand of the Eden Park outbreak is estimated at $71,800.

There were a number of factors that contributed to this outbreak. A shortfall in the availability of oysters realised on 17 June resulted in the caterer sourcing product from a local distributor. There appears to have been a misunderstanding between the distributor and the caterer whereby the caterer believed the Korean oysters were safe to serve raw. Although there was labelling on the packaging stating that the product should be cooked prior to consumption, these instructions were not noted by the chefs removing the packaging. A further and essential factor was the contamination of the oysters, most likely as a result of sewage contamination of the growing waters but this could have occurred during processing and before the product was packaged in Korea.

Subsequent to the Eden Park outbreak there have been two further foodborne illness incidents implicating imported Korean oysters, in Porirua (three cases with confirmed norovirus infection) and in Auckland (one case with symptoms consistent with norovirus infection), the latter consuming oysters from the same batch as those implicated at Eden Park and containing genogroup II norovirus. Both have involved 'carpet bag' steaks where the steak is stuffed or garnished with lightly cooked oysters. These outbreaks suggest that even with a cook process, the risk of infection may still be significant and also that in the absence of a consumer level recall potentially preventable cases of norovirus gastroenteritis will continue to occur.

A number of recommendations were made to the Eden Park Caterer in relation to food processing and the to the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) in relation to policies to manage the public health risks associated with imported Korean oysters.

Copies of the report are available from Claire Garbutt. Phone 021 507 190, email claireg@adhb.govt.nz

For more information contact:

Dr Greg Simmons
Medical Officer of Health
Auckland Regional Public Health Service
Cell 021 884657

Ends

Fleur King
External Communications Manager
Auckland District Health Board

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