Foodborne and waterborne disease becomes common when food and water sources are contaminated with pathogens (harmful bugs). National Public Health Service (NPHS) - Northern Region monitors notifiable food and waterborne diseases to minimise, manage and respond to outbreaks and single cases.
We respond to a variety of diseases and causative organisms, including:
General practitioners and medical laboratories inform NPHS - Northern Region of cases of some types of foodborne and waterborne illness. NPHS - Northern Region also investigates suspected foodborne illness reported by the public. Our role is to identify the source of illness and prevent it from spreading.
NPHS - Northern Region monitors the number of food and waterborne diseases throughout the year. Some illnesses are investigated through an over-the-phone or face-to-face interview with the case and/or their whānau (ie family). This allows us to assess the likely source of infection. In outbreak situations, cases may be asked to provide faecal or food samples for testing.
When a food premise is implicated, NPHS - Northern Region reviews the evidence and if there is a suspected link then the premise details are referred to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) or the local council for their follow up.
Last updated 25.3.2024