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Source: ONE News -
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Health authorities are reporting a number of gastroenteritis cases in the quake-hit Canterbury region as concerns mount over the safety of tap water.
The cases have come as hospitals and clinics in the region cope with treating quake injuries such as broken bones and crushed fingers.
ONE News has learned there could be up to 20 gastroenteritis cases, but those patients have already been isolated and are receiving treatment.
Two large families of around 20 people sheltering at the Linwood Earthquake Welfare Centre came down with the condition, which may be linked to water they had drunk.
It did not appear that the infection was conveyed from one family to another.
Infection control measures were in place and the affected families had been isolated, while tests had begun to try to find the cause.
The Pegasus 24 Hour Clinic is also seeing the odd case. "Diarrhoea and vomiting. They're not too dehydrated at the moment, that's what we're concentrating on," Dr Simon Brockenshire said.
Portaloos have been installed in some streets but many other places are lacking amenities.
Authorities are worried that problems like gastroenteritis will increase because the quake cracked underground pipes, causing raw sewage and the city's water supply to mix up.
Water hygiene is now a city-wide public health priority.
Health officials have stressed all water must be boiled for three minutes before drinking.
They say if there is no power to heat the water, another method to clean the water is to add three drops of household bleach per litre of water, mix it and leave it for half an hour.
There are also warnings not to consume any fish or shellfish which could also be contaminated.
Surgery cancelled
The DHB also announced non-urgent elective surgery had been cancelled for tomorrow.
This included all pre-arranged admissions for Christchurch, Christchurch Women's and Burwood Hospitals. Scheduled caesarean sections and inductions would continue.
The flow of patients to hospital was steady and staff were coping well, the DHB said.
Akaroa Hospital was closed and patients had been transferred to other facilities.
Lincoln Maternity Hospital and Burwood Birthing Unit were also closed until further notice.
Private hospitals have also deferred major surgery to help maintain capacity in the health system.
All main hospital buildings had been checked to ensure they are
safe and structurally sound. Engineers will be continuing to
work through all facilities identifying what repairs may be
required.
