http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/infectious_disease_updates/ Toi Te Ora Public Health Service carries out effective surveillance and investigation of notifiable infectious diseases in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes Districts. Here you will find information on infectious diseases that are of particular concern at the moment. en-US Copyright (c) 2010 Toi Te Ora http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/_information_advice Influenza (or flu) is a highly infectious viral illness. It is spread from person to person through coughs and sneezes. Flu can affect anyone, causing fever, aches, pains and cough. Most people recover after an unpleasant week or so, but a few will develop complications such as pneumonia. People... Fri, 5 March 2010 14:28:10 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/_information_advice http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/_public_advice Influenza - general information and advice The vast majority of people with flu recover within a week without requiring hospitalisation or medical attention. However, flu can cause severe illness or death in people at high risk of developing complications. These high-risk groups include; pregnant... Fri, 5 March 2010 14:27:10 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/_public_advice http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/Rheumatic_Fever_GP1   Erythema marginatum Highly specific to ARF Cutaneous lesion: reddish pink borderpale centreround or irregular shape Often on trunk, abdomen, inner arms or thighs Highly suggestive of carditis                       Subcutaneous nodules ... Thu, 14 January 2010 14:32:39 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/Rheumatic_Fever_GP1 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/Rheumatic_Fever_GP   Rheumatic Fever: A problem illness in the Bay of Plenty Rheumatic fever is a common problem in the Bay of Plenty, where the annual incidence is almost three times the New Zealand rate.  Accordingly Toi Te Ora – Public Health Service is launching a rheumatic fever awareness raising... Thu, 14 January 2010 14:26:23 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/Rheumatic_Fever_GP http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/rheumatic_fever_public   A child’s untreated sore throat (‘strep throat’) can lead to rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is a serious preventable disease which may cause permanent heart damage.  You can look after your whanau by understanding what rheumatic fever is and taking sore throats... Wed, 13 January 2010 16:03:06 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/rheumatic_fever_public http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/rheumatic_fever Rheumatic fever is a common problem in the Bay of Plenty, it is a serious preventable disease which may cause permanent heart damage. An untreated sore throat ('strep throat') can lead to Rheumatic Fever. By taking sore throats seriously , we can help prevent life long illness and suffering for... Wed, 13 January 2010 15:04:46 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/rheumatic_fever http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/pertussis_public   Symptoms and illness Whooping cough (pertussis) symptoms start with a runny nose and dry cough. Coughing gets worse over the next few weeks developing into attacks of coughing. The ‘whoop’ sound occurs as babies draw a breath after a long coughing attack. Children often gasp for air... Thu, 1 October 2009 14:22:59 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/pertussis_public http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/pertussis Notifications of pertussis in New Zealand during 2009 were substantially higher than in previous years (1353 cases to 18th December 2009). Increased rates are expected to continue in 2010. For up-to-date information and advice please refer to the following links: General public ... Thu, 1 October 2009 14:18:57 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/pertussis http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/pertussis_education Key messages for schools, students and parents of students Immunisation against whooping cough is effective, so students are encouraged to be up-to-date with their immunisations. Parents should ensure  young children and babies are immunised on time and that the first scheduled immunisations... Thu, 1 October 2009 14:18:18 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/pertussis_education http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/pertussis_GP Case notification Please notify any suspected pertussis cases to the Medical Officer of Health (MoOH). The MoOH can also provide advice on obtaining laboratory confirmation. Contact options: Phone  0800 221 555, select option 6 (during business hours) Complete the Infectious Disease... Thu, 1 October 2009 14:18:15 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/pertussis_GP http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/infectious_disease_updates Toi Te Ora Public Health Service carries out effective surveillance and investigation of notifiable infectious diseases in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes Districts. Here you will find information on infectious diseases that are of particular concern at the moment. For general advice and information... Tue, 25 August 2009 13:05:47 http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/infectious_disease_updates