More than half of national shellfish food poisoning cases reported in Canterbury
More than half of food poisoning cases caused by shellfish in Aotearoa this summer have been reported in Canterbury, triggering a warning for people to cook seafood thoroughly before consuming.
Since mid-November last year, 42 cases of vibrio parahaemolyticus, a bacterium in shellfish, were reported, with two more probable cases, a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) spokesperson said.
The ministry would normally expect to see only three or four during that time.
Fifteen of the cases were hospitalised with the illness and 22 of the reported cases were in Canterbury, he said.
The ages of the people affected were between 17 and 90.
It comes after a public health warning was issued for shellfish in Akaroa Harbour, all of Banks Peninsula and Christchurch in December.
MPI issued the warning after finding shellfish in Akaroa Harbour had diarrhetic toxins nearly three times over the safe limit. The limit for the toxins was set at 0/16mg/kg by MPI.
The toxins were found in recreational shellfish that people could collect themselves and did not affect shellfish bought from shops or supermarkets, it said at the time.
The MPI spokesperson said the two issues were not related. The toxins found in the shellfish was a naturally occurring toxic algae while the “higher than usual cases” of vibrio parahaemolyticus was caused by a bacteria known to increase in warmer months.
New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vince Arbuckle said in the case of vibrio parahaemolyticus, evidence suggested a change in water temperature and conditions could make live mussels more susceptible to the bacteria.
New Zealand Food Safety was reminding people to thoroughly cook mussels before consuming, after an increase in cases of Vibrio around the country.
It included supermarket supplies and New Zealand Food Safety was working with major supermarket chains to ensure signage to cook mussels was available for consumers, Arbuckle said.
“People with low immunity, pregnant, or elderly should always avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish as the illness can be more severe,” she said.
Other cases of Vibrio were reported in Toi Te Ora (8), Auckland (6), Northland (6), and one each for Southern and Waikato District Health Board.
Thirty-six of the cases had consumed shellfish commercially or recreationally, while two had consumed recreationally gathered fish, and six cases were unknown.
The types of seafood causing illness included oysters, mussels, crayfish, kina, pāua, cod, and snapper.
Symptoms of Vibrio could include watery or bloody diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and headache, Arbuckle said.
New Zealand Food Safety advised people to keep their hands and utensils clean after handling raw seafood, to cook mussels thoroughly “until steaming hot”, and to refrigerate shellfish as soon as possible after harvesting from the beach or purchasing from the supermarket to minimise their risk.
“If you get sick after eating shellfish, phone Healthline for advice on 0800 61 11 16 or seek medical attention immediately. If possible, store and refrigerate any leftover shellfish for testing.”
Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89.4% Yes, it's fair
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9.8% No, it's unreasonable
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0.7% Other - I'll share below
House fire causing road closures
Pages Road is closed this afternoon from Breezes Road, this is due to a house that has caught fire in the area.
Coastal Ward Community Board member, Alex Hewison, shared the closure on a local Facebook page.
Fire and Emergency are at the scene but further details have not been shared at this stage.
Avoid the area where possible.
Have your say on Canterbury’s public transport
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Canterbury residents are being encouraged to have their say on public transport in the region.
Environment Canterbury has released its draft public transport plan and is seeking submissions.
The draft plan outlines a vision for public transport in the region and notes key priorities such as improving the environment, growing patronage, accessibility, innovation and technology, and affordability.
‘‘Public transport takes many forms with communities across our region,’’ councillor Peter Scott said.
‘‘With limited funding available, we need to make sure we make the best decisions to deliver a public transport network that is integrated with urban development, innovative and meets the needs of new and existing customers.
‘‘Effective public transport is the lifeline that connects us to work, school, recreation and our friends and family, so it is important we get this right.’’
The Canterbury’s population is growing and by 2050, it is projected 700,000 people will be living in Greater Christchurch.
The draft plan covers public transport for the region, which includes the Metro service (Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri), MyWay by Metro in Timaru, Total Mobility and Community Vehicle Trusts.
It was developed in partnership with local councils and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Environment Canterbury has been planning to step up its public transport efforts by increasing the frequency of existing services and introducing mass rapid transport in Greater Christchurch.
But these plans have been stalled by a lack of public transport funding in the Government’s 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme.
A proposal to allow people to travel with domestic pets is also included in the draft plan.
Having pets on buses has been successfully trial in other parts of New Zealand, councillor Joe Davies said.
‘‘We’re keen to understand what controls are needed for our bus users in Greater Christchurch and Timaru to be comfortable with pets on public transport.
It is proposed to allow adult passengers to bring a single pet on board, as long it is in an approved carrier at off-peak times, weekdays between 9am and 3pm or after 6pm, and during weekends.
Another proposal would loosen those restrictions in future to allow for leashed and muzzled dogs and increasing the limit to two pets per passenger.
‘‘We want to gauge how people feel about these proposals. Now is the time to have your say,’’ Davies said.
Submissions close on Thursday, October 24.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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