QLDC responds to outcome of investigation into most likely source of cryptosporidium outbreak

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has acknowledged the conclusions of a public health investigation into the current cryptosporidium outbreak which highlighted human faecal contamination of the water supply as the most likely source.

QLDC General Manager Property & Infrastructure Tony Avery said the Council continues to engage positively with both Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand and water regulator Taumata Arowai.

“We have always accepted that the water supply could be the source – ongoing negative test results do not exclude it – and so having it identified as the most likely, whilst disappointing, is not totally unexpected,” he said.

“Te Whatu Ora’s conclusions were further supported by the fact that the boil water notice put in place on 18 September had effectively halted the continuous source of contamination, so this has clearly helped limit the spread. In line with guidance from both agencies, the boil water notice for parts of Queenstown therefore needs to remain in place until this work is completed to the regulator’s satisfaction.”

“We acknowledge the ongoing impact this will have on businesses, residents and visitors to the affected areas. Our focus remains on completing work at our Two Mile water treatment plant as soon as possible.”

Mr Avery confirmed areas still under a boil water notice include Queenstown town centre; Gorge Rd out to and including Industrial Place; Fernhill; Sunshine Bay; and Queenstown Hill above Frankton Rd out to and including Goldridge Way and Goldrush Way.

“Given that we have also seen cases of secondary (person-to-person) infection it’s also extremely important for everyone to take extra measures to avoid unknowingly passing the bug on. As well as boiling water, the best way to prevent this is to wash your hands really well regularly with soap and dry them thoroughly. You should also not use any swimming or spa pool if you have symptoms or for two weeks after they’ve stopped.”

Mr Avery strongly recommended that everyone in the district followed this hygiene advice, including commuting workers and visitors to Queenstown since the outbreak began.

“As many people as possible taking these precautions will help reduce the chances of cases increasing or spreading through secondary contamination to other parts of the district. It’s been reassuring to see the number of cases stabilise over the last few days so huge thanks to everyone who’s played their part.”

As stated in a previous media release, the timeframe for implementing the temporary UV treatment at Two Mile has an estimated completion date of 8 December. That ten-week programme includes undertaking detailed design, procurement of the component parts and fabrication of the container housing for the equipment, delivery, site connection and commissioning, and flushing of the network.

Advice from Te Whatu Ora to minimise the risk of secondary infection is as follows:

• Wash your hands with lots of soap and water for at least 20 seconds and then dry them thoroughly on a clean towel.

• Do not rely on hand sanitizer as this is not effective against cryptosporidium.

• If someone in your household has cryptosporidiosis, ensure all surfaces, including door handles, are cleaned regularly with a cleaning product that contains hydrogen peroxide. Chlorine based products do not work against cryptosporidium and bleach-based products are not as effective.

• Shower before using recreational swimming facilities to wash away any potential Cryptosporidium organisms on your body.

• Stay clear of the water (including swimming and spa pools) if you or your children have diarrhoea. Stay out of the water for a full two weeks after the diarrhoea subsides

ENDS|KUA MUTU.

Media contact: communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 1802.

FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri:

An updated map showing areas where the boil water notice does/doesn’t apply can be found here: https://www.qldc.govt.nz/crypto

QLDC media advisory (5 October) – QLDC confirms boil water notice lifted for Kelvin Heights and Frankton

QLDC media advisory (3 October) – QLDC targets this week to reduce area under boil water notice

QLDC media advisory (29 September) – QLDC announces crypto water treatment plan and test results

More information including a map of the affected area and what you need to do during the boil water notice is available on the Council website at https://www.qldc.govt.nz/crypto

More information about the water regulator and end point treatment (filtration and UV disinfection systems) for residences and businesses can be found on the Taumata Arowai website: https://www.taumataarowai.govt.nz/for-communities/emergencies/

For information about cryptosporidiosis, including symptoms and what to do if you are displaying them, visit https://healthed.govt.nz/products/cryptosporidium-and-giardia

Feedback opportunity

QLDC is inviting feedback from residents and businesses in the affected area on their understanding of the boil water notice and to suggest ways of engaging and other information needs. Anyone interesting in providing this is welcome to do so via https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz/qt-boil-water-notice-feedback

General information about how to stop the spread of cryptosporidium and what to do if you have symptoms provided by NPHS Southern:

The best thing you and your whānau can do to stop the spread of cryptosporidium (crypto) infection is to practise good hand hygiene. This means scrubbing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them thoroughly with a clean towel:

• After using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or helping others use the bathroom

• Before eating or cooking

• After handling an animal

• After gardening, even if you used gloves

• When caring for someone with diarrhoea

Other ways to help stop the spread of cryptosporidium infection are:

• Stay home or keep young children home when you or they have an active case of diarrhoea

• Don’t drink untreated water

• Clean all surfaces, including door handles, regularly with a cleaning product that contains hydrogen peroxide.

• Chlorine based products do not work against cryptosporidium and bleach based products are not as effective.

• Shower before using recreational swimming facilities to wash away any potential Cryptosporidium organisms on your body.

• Don’t swallow pool water or spa pool water.

• Wash all produce before eating it. Peeling the skins will also reduce your risk.

• Take young children at the pool to the bathroom frequently.

• Change children’s diapers often.

• Stay clear of the water if you or your children have diarrhoea. Stay out of the water for a full two weeks after the diarrhoea subsides.

• What to do if you have symptoms

If you live or work in the Queenstown area, currently are visiting or have visited since 18 August and are experiencing these symptoms, please call your family doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice from a registered nurse 24 hours a day 7 days a week.