Enteric infections

Campylobacteriosis notifications, CPH region, 2019-20

Enteric infections follow a distinctly seasonal pattern in our region, with the common notifiable diseases, campylobacteriosis, cryptosporidiosis and salmonellosis, peaking in Spring and/or Summer. Diagnosis and notification of these infections allows public health staff to investigate the source of infection, and to identify food- and water-borne outbreaks.

COVID-19

Community and Public Health continues to prepare for further community cases of COVID-19 in 2021.

Once COVID-19 cases are being managed in the community again, the CPH team will provide daily public health monitoring for cases and their household contacts, but clinical care will remain a primary care responsibility, with guidance available on HealthPathways. CPH staff will refer COVID-19 cases without a GP to the Acute Demand Service in Canterbury, and to the DHB and/or PHO in South Canterbury and the West Coast. CPH has developed joint community/welfare support referral pathways for Māori and Pasifika cases and contacts.

COVID-19 testing for patients presenting to primary and secondary care with respiratory illness remains an important cornerstone of New Zealand’s COVID-19 strategy, and the latest Ministry of Health testing advice is available on the Ministry website.  CPH works with the HealthPathways team to align public health and primary care advice, and the latest CPH public health protocols are always available on the CPH website.

Alcohol

Percentage of presentations to Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department that were alcohol-related, Jan-Dec 2019

The summer holiday period is a peak time for alcohol-related harm. Alcohol-related presentations to Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department are highest in summer months. In the Canterbury DHB region approximately one-in-five adults over the age of 15 drink alcohol at levels that could harm themselves or others.

In November the Cancer Society released a position statement highlighting the link between alcohol and a range of cancers.

Avoiding or reducing alcohol is the best way to prevent these outcomes. Primary care alcohol screening and intervention guidance is available on HealthPathways.

Getting Through Together

Getting Through Together - Whāia E Tātou Te Pae Tawhiti is a national wellbeing campaign run by All Right?, the Canterbury District Health Board, and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand. As the year draws to an end, the campaign’s Christmas/Summer message is that even when times are tough, it's the simple things that bring us joy, and see us through – ahakoa he iti, he pounamu. 

As well as bringing fun, these resources offer reassurance that even if there isn't money to spare, we can still create special moments together.

To learn more about the Getting Through Together Christmas/Summer campaign, head to www.allright.org.nz/simplethings.