What is the Gastro Virus?
The virus which infected Havelock Norths water supply was called Campylobacter. Campylobacter are a group of germs that are a common cause of food poisoning. Food poisoning occurs when food or water contaminated with germs, poisons or chemicals is eaten or drunk. Typically, food poisoning causes gastro infections, which is an an infection of the gut. This leads to diarrhea and sometimes vomiting.
How do you catch Campylobacter?
Campylobacter germs are commonly found in raw meat, particularly raw poultry such as chicken, turkey, etc. Cooking meat thoroughly usually kills the bacteria. Campylobacter may also be found in untreated water (including ice cubes made from untreated water), as was the case in the Havelock North outbreak …show more content…
However, now it is advised to eat small, light meals if you can. Be guided by your appetite. You may not feel like food and most adults can do without food for a few days. Eat as soon as you are able - but don't stop drinking. If you do feel like eating, avoid fatty, spicy or heavy food at first. Plain foods such as whole meal bread and rice are good foods to try eating first.
Why is the Gastro Virus an issue in Havelock North?
The gastro outbreak was an issue in Havelock North as it had many consequences. Schools and business were shut as too many people were sick and the risk of the sickness spreading was too great to risk. Because of this, students missed out on vital education and business lost money as they weren’t open. Parents whose work places were not closed may not have been able to work as children may have been sick and needed care. This means parents would go days without income to support their family. This outbreak is expected to cost the Council $710,000. The costs that make up this total are listed:
COUNCIL COSTS:
* Havelock North water rates remission: $300,000
* Business recovery package:
The virus which infected Havelock Norths water supply was called Campylobacter. Campylobacter are a group of germs that are a common cause of food poisoning. Food poisoning occurs when food or water contaminated with germs, poisons or chemicals is eaten or drunk. Typically, food poisoning causes gastro infections, which is an an infection of the gut. This leads to diarrhea and sometimes vomiting.
How do you catch Campylobacter?
Campylobacter germs are commonly found in raw meat, particularly raw poultry such as chicken, turkey, etc. Cooking meat thoroughly usually kills the bacteria. Campylobacter may also be found in untreated water (including ice cubes made from untreated water), as was the case in the Havelock North outbreak …show more content…
However, now it is advised to eat small, light meals if you can. Be guided by your appetite. You may not feel like food and most adults can do without food for a few days. Eat as soon as you are able - but don't stop drinking. If you do feel like eating, avoid fatty, spicy or heavy food at first. Plain foods such as whole meal bread and rice are good foods to try eating first.
Why is the Gastro Virus an issue in Havelock North?
The gastro outbreak was an issue in Havelock North as it had many consequences. Schools and business were shut as too many people were sick and the risk of the sickness spreading was too great to risk. Because of this, students missed out on vital education and business lost money as they weren’t open. Parents whose work places were not closed may not have been able to work as children may have been sick and needed care. This means parents would go days without income to support their family. This outbreak is expected to cost the Council $710,000. The costs that make up this total are listed:
COUNCIL COSTS:
* Havelock North water rates remission: $300,000
* Business recovery package: