News
The latest news and information from Toi Te Ora Public Health Service.
17th of February 2009
17.2.2009 - Health Warning: Bacteria found in Shellfish on Papamoa Coastline
The results of Tauranga City Council routine sampling indicate bacterial contamination of shellfish along the Papamoa Coast.
Toi Te Ora – Public Health has therefore issued a health warning advising against gathering or eating shellfish on the Papamoa coastline from the Pacific View Road beach access point to Papamoa Domain at Domain Road. Eating shellfish from this area could result in infection such as gastro-enteritis.
The health warning applies to all bivalve shellfish such as mussels, toheroa, pipi, tuatua, cockles, oysters, scallops, as well as catseyes or pupu and kina (sea urchin). The gut of paua, crayfish and crabs taken from this area should be removed before cooking.
It is possible that the contamination found in the shellfish is from sources such as stormwater and rural runoff, leaky sewer pipes, septic tanks and inadequately treated sewage discharges, particularly after heavy rainfall.
“Eating contaminated shellfish can lead to a number of infections such as gastro-enteritis caused by E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Giardia, Cryptosporidium and viral gastro-enteritis”, says Bay of Plenty and Lakes Medical Officer of Health, Dr Jim Miller.
Tauranga City Council is erecting signage at the main access points and will continue to monitor the situation and any changes will be advised.
Any health enquiries should be directed to Toi Te Ora – Public Health and all other enquiries regarding the situation should be directed to Tauranga City Council.
