following World Immunisation Week Some kids may take-off running at the mention of World Immunisation Week, but three Waikato youngsters couldn’t be happier following the campaign period (22 – 29 April). ... read more

record numbers from flu A record 3726 Waikato DHB staff members have been immunised against this year’s “killer flu” strain; a quantity that already surpasses last year’s end-of-season total of 3555, three months bef... read more

In the last week of April each year, 112 countries and territories around the world make a point about immunisation by celebrating World Immunisation W... read more

690,000 Kiwis immunised against the flu Around 690,000 New Zealanders have had a flu vaccination this year – 100,000 more than the same time last year. Health Minister Tony Ryall says never before have so many influenza vaccines been d... read more

Public health officials have lifted the health warning issued in February for Lake Ngaroto near Te Awamutu. This follows two consecutive tests showing cyanobacterial levels to be once again... read more

Bay of Plenty residents and visitors need to continue to be aware of the risk of paralytic shellfish toxin poisoning. “Levels of toxin found in shellfish along parts ... read more

Killer flu expected to hit Waikato this winter A killer flu is expected to strike New Zealand this year and doctors are warning it is a deadly serious virus. Waikato DHB medical officer of health Dr Felicity Dumble says she is concerned about th... read more

from registered carriers With the dry weather likely to continue, people on their own tank water supplies may find they need to buy in water. You may have been one of these people, or you may have spotted a water carri... read more

Vaccine has just arrived in GP surgeries across the country and now is the best time to be vaccinated as it can take up to two weeks from vaccination to develop immunity. Each year in New Zealand infl... read more

An experienced New Zealand public health clinician has stepped down from her position as clinical leader of Waikato District Health Board's public health team after nearly 18 years. The new clinical ... read more

The placing of a tupeka kore kawenata in Waikato District Health Board’s public health offices in central Hamilton shows support for a tobacco free environment is gaining strong momentum, says Te Puna ... read more

in Hamilton Over the last few weeks, Waikato District Health Board has been notified of a number of cases of gastrointestinal disease (mainly cryptosporidiosis) with a common risk factor identified as Par... read more

Lake Ngaroto near Te Awamutu has been issued with a health warning due to a cyanobacterial bloom. This is an anticipated seasonal event following longer daylight hours and w... read more

to help protect their baby from whooping coughA free whooping cough vaccine is now available to all pregnant women to help protect their newborn babies from this serious disease. The ongoing whooping cough out... read more

Reminder that shellfish in the Bay of Plenty still affected by toxin Bay of Plenty residents and visitors remain at risk of paralytic shellfish toxin poisoning.   “Levels of toxin found in shellfish are still high and there have bee... read more

Medical officer of health issues public health advice Norovirus activity on the up in Northern Hemisphere There has been recent media interest regarding a norovirus article and its mention of an increase in Norovirus due to an emerging strain (S... read more

, except the Kaipara Harbour Waikato District Health Board and Auckland Regional Public Health Service today lifted a public health warning against collecting or consuming shellfish along a section of ... read more

, except the Kaipara Harbour Waikato District Health Board and Auckland Regional Public Health Service today lifted a public health warning against collecting or consuming shellfish along a section of the west c... read more

in water There is overwhelming expert medical support and evidence in favour of adding fluoride to drinking water, says Waikato District Health Board medical officer of health Felicity Dumble. ... read more

THINK BEFORE YOU BUY UNDER 18s A DRINK Think before you buy under 18s a drink. This is the message being supported by the local Waitomo community based ‘Reducing Risk Team’ this holiday season. The Christmas and New Year holiday period is a tim... read more

People play Russian roulette with their lives when they eat shellfish collected from areas where warnings are in place, the Ministry for Primary Industry (MPI) warns. With algal blooms occurring on both coasts ... read more

The outbreak of paralytic shellfish poisoning is the worst that has been seen in the Bay of Plenty. Since 12 December 2012, twenty people have been poisoned by eating shellfish collected from the Ba... read more

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is overseeing the recall of Salmonella contaminated tahini and urges people to dispose of any affected product they may have. The recalled product is ... read more

oning In the past 24 hours five people have presented to Rotorua Hospital with symptoms of toxic shellfish poisoning with a further two unrelated cases seen at Tauranga Hospital.   E... read more

A cyanobacterial bloom or sudden massive episode of growth has occurred in Lake Whangape, which now joins Waikare in having a cyanobacterial health warning in place.   This is an anticipated seasonal e... read more

Infants are at increased risk of falling prey to the national whooping cough (pertussis) epidemic as families gather to celebrate Christmas. During this high-risk period Waikato DH... read more

People are being warned to stay indoors if they are experiencing ash fall from the latest Tongariro eruption. A national advisory has been issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management after minor volcani... read more

EXTENDED Aroha Peta used to dread winter knowing the impact living in an uninsulated house in Hamilton would have on her children’s health. Two months ago that all changed when she contact... read more

- Marine biotoxin in shellfish The Waikato District Health Board today issued a public health warning advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish harvested from Mohakatino, north to (but not including) Manukau Harbour. &n... read more

25 OctoberNorovirus:Norovirus has been isolated in patients and staff in Ward 54 - Orthopaedic Rehabilitation. Total number of patient cases = 8  (3 confirmed cases of Norovirus)Total number of staff cases = 18 ( 2 confirmed cases of ... read more

along coastline Following ongoing shellfish toxin monitoring the Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxin warning has been extended eastwards to include Whakatane Heads. The affected area now includes the entire c... read more

for pregnant women Waikato District Health Board is taking the fight against whooping cough one step further and offering free vaccination against the illness to women from 20 weeks of pregnancy up to two weeks after the birt... read more

Women in the Midland Region are being urged to use September – Cervical Screening Awareness Month – as a reminder to have a cervical smear test, every three years. ... read more

A national panel of experts have reviewed the five biopsy errors which occurred in the past two years and reported back to the Ministry of Health with a range of recommendations for improvements. “The panel consider... read more

Shellfish toxin warning extended along Bay of Plenty coastline Following ongoing shellfish toxin monitoring the Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxin warning has been extended eastwards along the Bay of Plenty coastline. The affected area now includes... read more

along the Bay of Plenty coastline As a result of testing, people are advised to avoid collecting or eating shellfish from a large area along the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty coastline.  The area includes the coastl... read more

for the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty The paralytic shellfish toxin health warning, which has been in place since December last year, has been lifted for the wider Coromandel and Bay of Plenty coastline.   The ... read more

Kiwis eligible for free flu immunisation have less than 21 days left to be vaccinated before the Government-subsidised campaign ends this year on July 31. The National Influenza Specialist Group (NISG) says that, so ... read more

The health warnings have now been lifted for two more Waikato lakes, leaving Waikare the only regularly tested lake which still has a warning in place.   Ngaroto and Whangape have their warni... read more

Waikato District Health Board is reducing barriers to health care for parents of children under six by making visits to their doctor or nurse free during business hours at their regular practice and aft... read more

are about to come into force Tobacco displays will become a thing of the past next month when amendments to the Smoke-Free Environments Act come into force. To ensure compliance, smoke-free enforcement officers wo... read more

The Waikato District Health Board Supported Transfer and Accelerated Rehabilitation Team (START) is moving to Northcare Primary Health on Pukete Rd on 11 June. The START team is currently located at Waikato Hospital and is a ser... read more

Waikato District Health Board’s Older Persons and Rehabilitation staff today took 114 peoples blood pressure in two hours at Waikato Hospital. Thirty of those – a mixture of staff and patie... read more

from 'The Girls' Breast Screen Midland (BSM) has experienced a rapid boost in the number of compliments about their free breast screening services. Since May 1, 17 notes of written gratitude have been received from... read more

Colds, stomach bugs and winter coughs are becoming more common as colder weather approaches.    Dr Allan Moffitt, associate medical director at Midlands Health Network, says children are most vulnerable during wint... read more

Waikato District Health Board did not use social networking sites to encourage teenagers to get immunised without their parents' consent following a measles outbreak in Te Awamutu last year. Communications ... read more

Te Awamutu mother Ally Edwards-Lasenby thought she was doing the right thing by making an informed decision not to immunise her son against Measles at four years of age. It was at ... read more

Hundreds of little people have walked, tottered, or been carried up the steps of Waikato District Health Board’s mobile immunisation van over the past 12 months allowing staff to deliver 80... read more

The health warning has now been lifted for Lake Hakanoa, but warnings remain in place for three other regularly tested lakes outside Hamilton.   These lakes are Ngaroto, Waikare, and Whangape.   Waahi had its ... read more

Health authorities are reinforcing current advice to Thames residents of the suburb of Moanataiari to avoid coming into contact with soil and dust following the results from more soil testing. Leve... read more

The safety of flu vaccination during pregnancy is well established and should be routine, according to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. In a recent statement the college says... read more

1. 7 million free pieces of fruit a year for Waikato and Coromandel kids 1. 7 million free pieces of fruit a year for Waikato and Coromandel kids  8,690 Waikato District Health Board primary school children in 52 schools are eating... read more

The road outside a farm gate is probably one of the most familiar stretches of tarseal or gravel for most farmers. It is also the strip where they are more likely to have a car accident than any other road in the country. That ... read more

have clear message for Midland women Breast Screen Midland (BSM) is hoping new straight-talking television commercials will encourage women in Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Lakes District Health Boards to have their breast s... read more

The school holidays are over, and it’s time for children and their parents to brush up on dental health routines. After a summer of sweet snacks and Christmas treats, the start of the new school year is the perfect... read more

Waikato dental health statistics something to smile about School is back, and there is plenty for Waikato youngsters to be smiling about with the release of new dental statistics for the region. Waikato District Health Board has released its provisional o... read more

from Lake Waahi, no health warning for Lake Rotoroa in Hamilton The health warning has now been lifted for Lake Waahi, but warnings remain in place for the other regularly tested lakes outside Hamilton.   These lakes are... read more

Popular television personality and clinical psychologist Nigel Latta was at Waikato Hospital today, speaking to dental professionals about children’s behaviour and how that impacts on their oral heal... read more

In an effort to help eradicate rheumatic fever, Tairawhiti District Health will launch a throat swabbing programming in local schools next month. The programme is a triple partnership between TDH, Turanga He... read more

Update: 12pmFollowing ongoing shellfish toxin monitoring the Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxin warning has been extended eastwards to include Whakatane Heads. The affected area now includes the entire coastline... read more

New health warning for Lake Ngaroto Health warnings are now in place for all of the regularly tested lakes outside Hamilton. Lake Ngaroto, just north of Te Awamutu, now has a new cyanobacterial health warning and warnings remain in place for Hakanoa, Wai... read more

As the summer holiday season approaches, the Medical Officer of Health would like to remind the public that the health warning due to shellfish toxins along parts of the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty coastline ... read more

- Bay of Plenty coastline and parts of Coromandel The health warning advising against the collection and consumption of shellfish, kina, crabs and seaweed due to the oil spill from the MV Rena is no longer nec... read more

- North Waikato Lakes, Ngaroto and Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake) New health warnings are now in place for two more of the regularly tested lakes outside Hamilton.   The lakes affected are Hakanoa, and Waikare, and now Waahi an... read more

Updated information for Coromandel visitors re Rena Oil Spill Waikato Regional Council is working with Maritime New Zealand to closely monitor the eastern seaboard of the Coromandel Peninsula, north of Waihi. For up-to-date information regarding the ... read more

Health warning to those collecting shellfish in CoromandelWaikato District Health Board’s medical officer of health Dr Anita Bell says people need to be vigilant if they are collecting shellfish off the eastern seaboard of the Coromandel Peninsula, becaus... read more

with undeclared prescription medicines Director-General of Health Kevin Woods today advised consumers to immediately stop taking two products for erectile dysfunction or the enhancement of sexual performa... read more

Mammogram reminder to Breast Screen Midland women Mammograms can find very small cancers before a lump can be felt and Clare Coles is encouraging Waikato women who are aged 45 to 69 to join BreastScreen Aotearoa if they are not already part of the... read more

With an upswing of measles cases in Auckland, it’s important that people make sure they’re immunised against this serious disease. Deputy Director of Public Health Dr Darren Hunt says the Ministry of Health i... read more

“Brushing your teeth twice a day could help you keep your healthy smile for life,” Chief Dental Officer Dr Robyn Haisman-Welsh advised on World Oral Health Day. “Keeping teeth and gums healthy can be easy ... read more

Warning still in force for Hamilton's Lake Rotoroa Health warnings remain in place for three of the five regularly tested lakes outside Hamilton. The warning was lifted for Whangape in June and following the most recent monitoring it is now possible to l... read more

Brian ‘Sarge’ Walden could have been dead or permanently paralysed as a result of a massive stroke two years ago. Instead, the quick action of a passing neighbour meant he was sitting up in a hospital bed reading... read more

There have been two further cases of measles notified to Waikato District Health Board’s Population Health since last week. That brings to 21 the number of confirmed cases.   Of these, eight are secondary cases in ... read more

in unimmunised children Tuesday 16 August at 10. 30am There are now 19 positive cases of measles, eight of which are secondary cases (came in contact with a case), in the Waikato District Health Board area. Th... read more

Child dies from meningococcal disease A young child died on Saturday 13 August at Waikato Hospital from meningococcal disease. All close contacts of the child have been given advice and preventative treatment, Waikato District Health Board medical offic... read more

Waikato is experiencing a second wave of measles cases all involving unvaccinated contacts of those originally diagnosed. There are now 17 confirmed cases of measles – one requiring hospitalisation and all in teenagers ... read more

August 1-7 marks World Breastfeeding Week, and the issue of breastfeeding in public is back on the agenda again. Recent stories in the media have highlighted the strong and divergent op... read more

Debbie Graham and Alys Brown from Waikato District Health Board’s lactation consultant services are busier than ever. They talk to Kate Riddell about the rewards of the job, and some of the issues they face... read more

morningThis Friday hundreds of women around New Zealand will gather with babes in arms, aiming to break a world record. The Big Latch On happens on Friday August 5 at 10. 30am (New Zealand time) and women arou... read more

as measles spreadsParents are reminded to make sure their children are appropriately immunised or risk having them sent home from school in a measles outbreak. The warning comes as new measles cases continue to be reported... read more

There is an outbreak of measles in the Waikato, which seems at this stage to be centred on Te Awamutu and surrounding communities. It appears to have started about a week ago. ... read more

Chilly winter weather appears to have brought with it a sudden rise in influenza cases and other respiratory infections around the country. Latest ESR general practice surveillance data shows a national consulta... read more

With the school holidays about to start, parents are being asked to take some extra steps to stop measles spreading in New Zealand or overseas. Child and Youth Health Advisor Dr Pat Tuohy says parents should check thei... read more

Healthline gives GPs ‘a speedy heads-up’New Zealand’s free telephone health advice service – Healthline – just got better, with the introduction of a system which ensures callers can share important information with their usual family doctor (GP). Healthl... read more

, Ngaroto and Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake)Health warnings remain in place for four of the five regularly tested lakes outside Hamilton. The warning has been lifted only for Whangape. Monitoring results from late ... read more

May is a great time for people who smoke to consider setting a quit date. Tuesday 31 May marks , an international event created by the World Health Organisation to support and celebrate smokefree lives. Waikato DHB Smok... read more

A New Zealand study looking at vitamin D levels in patients admitted to hospital with pneumonia has shown that patients with severe vitamin D deficiency are more likely to die from the disease. &nbs... read more

World Hand Hygiene Day – Clean hands save livesThe Health Quality & Safety Commission says World Hand Hygiene Day is a timely reminder of the importance of clean hands in combating healthcare-acquired infections.  ‘Save lives – clean your hands’ i... read more

Encouraging parents to get their child immunised on time is one of the key messages for National Immunisation Week which kicks off on Saturday. Immunisation helps protect children against serious diseases that can make them e... read more

Whooping cough not only affects the young; people over 45 are also getting diagnosed with the highly contagious bacterial disease, a study carried out by a Waikato DHB clinical research team h... read more

New Zealanders are urged to get immunised against seasonal influenza before winter, as the first cases of this disease have already been confirmed. “People who are eligible for free... read more

Many of the weekend papers carried the sad story of Chace, a little two year old boy who has leukaemia. His parents are understandably upset and have raised concerns that his illness may have been caused by receiving t... read more

- North Waikato Lakes, Ngaroto and Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake)Monitoring results from late March have shown that cyanobacterial cells are at high levels in all five lakes which are routinely tested.   The current bloom in Rot... read more

for the Coromandel and Bay of PlentyThe toxic shellfish health warning has been lifted for the wider Coromandel and Bay of Plenty coastline, ending 15 months of concern.   The coastline for which the warning is... read more

The seasonal influenza (‘flu’) vaccine has arrived in New Zealand surgeries and Bonnie Leung (22) made sure she was one of the first to be vaccinated at the National Influenza Strategy Group’s (NISG) official la... read more

Environment Waikato has issued an alert about rising river and lake levels following a heavy rain warning from MetService. The warning is that in the 30 hours from noon today between 120mm and 170mm of rain could fall on to cen... read more

There has never been a better time for eligible women to get their mammograms in Hamilton. From 1-4 March, Breastscreen Midland is staffing a mobile clinic for drop-in appointments at the city centre’s Countd... read more

along the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty coastlineThe health warning, first issued back in December 2009, advising against the collection and consumption of shellfish along much of the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty co... read more

along the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty coastlineThe health warning, first issued back in December 2009, advising against the collection and consumption of shellfish along part of the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty co... read more

updateFour lakes now have health warnings in placeMonitoring results from late November 2010 have shown that cyanobacterial cells are multiplying in four of the five lakes which are routinely tested. This is an... read more

Monitoring results from late October 2010 have shown that cyanobacterial cells are multiplying, as is expected as the days lengthen and the temperatures rise.   The human health threat from cyanobacteria in t... read more

Shellfish toxins still detected along Coromandel and Bay of Plenty coastlineThe health warning, first issued back in December 2009, advising against the collection and consumption of shellfish along part of the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty coastline remai... read more

ahead of world champs The last thing New Zealand Rowing wants to see when the world championships start this month is a repeat of what happened to Mahe Drysdale at the Beijing Olympics two years ago. Then a mystery illne... read more

Nearly 100 phone calls have been made to a Waikato-specific quit smoking line in the past four months. Earlier this year, Population Health partnered up with the Waikato Rugby Union to do some targeted health promotio... read more

prevalence in NZ The Ministry of Health today released the implementation plan for clinical guidelines which frontline health care workers can use when helping patients achieve and maintain a healthy weight. ... read more

Helping hand for New Zealand rowers The last thing New Zealand Rowing wants to see at this year's world championships on Lake Karapiro in Cambridge is a repeat of what happened to Mahe Drysdale at the Beijing Olympics two years ago. Then a mystery ... read more

The latest information about the country’s primary health organisations shows they are making consistent progress against a set of national health indicators, with room for improvement. From today, the PHO Perfor... read more

among rowersWaikato District Health Board hand hygiene campaign manager Lin Marriott will be at Rowing New Zealand's high performance centre in Cambridge tomorrow from 9. 30am to 11am at the request of Rowing... read more

update Only one lake still has a health warningMonitoring results from late August 2010 have shown that the human health threat from cyanobacteria in all the tested lakes is now acceptably low, apart from Lake ... read more

A 53-year-old man died in Waikato Hospital this week of swine flu. He had no known underlying medical condition. Further information on influenza A H1N1 "swine flu", information for health professionals, &nb... read more

One lake warning reinstated, another is lifted Monitoring results from late June 2010 have shown that the human health threat from cyanobacteria in Lake Whangape is now acceptably low.   Lake Waahi also remains below t... read more

There have been 10 cases of influenza A H1N1 notified to Waikato District Health Board’s Population Health service in the past fortnight. Waikato DHB medical officer of health Anita Bell said Waikato health professionals are... read more

, waiting times decrease Cardiothoracic surgery throughput has reached an all time high at Waikato Hospital with more than 500 procedures completed in the last financial year.  The final tally of 503 surgical procedur... read more

  Two lakes have health warnings lifted The threat to human health from cyanobacteria in Lakes Hakanoa and Waahi is now acceptably low, according to recent monitored results. However, cyanobacteria counts in Lakes W... read more

ment Waikato sexual health physician Jane Morgan has identified youth access to alcohol and excessive drinking as a contributing factor to high rates of Chlamydia transmission in New Zealand. Dr Morgan ... read more

BreastScreen Midland is finally able to invite ALL eligible Waikato women for their free two-yearly mammograms. With help from the wider Waikato District Health Board and some hard graft within their own t... read more

Obesity, diabetes a hot topic for Thursday Obesity is fast becoming an unstoppable disease, overwhelming health services nationwide. The disease has proven links with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Professor Philip James,... read more

Health warning: shellfish still affected by toxins "Continuing high levels of paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) mean that local shellfish should remain off the menu" according to Toi Te Ora Public Health Service Medical Officer of Health, Dr Phil Shoemack... read more

Two further lakes now have health warnings As anticipated, testing late last month has confirmed that cyanobacterial cell counts have risen in Lakes Hakanoa and Whangape. As of this month, all the lakes which are... read more

Even though we feel like winter will never come, putting a reminder in your diary to make your seasonal influenza vaccination appointment is the recommendation from Waikato District Health Board medical off... read more

Shellfish toxins remain along the Bay of Plenty coastline Ongoing weekly test results confirm that people should continue to avoid collecting or eating shellfish from a large area along the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty coastline. The area includes the ... read more

Eleven Thames Hospital staff, six inpatients and two relatives are now ill with diarrhoea and vomiting. The cases - seven more than yesterday - are highly contagious and are in isolation. The hospital is operating normally although act... read more

Thames Hospital has a number of cases of diarrhoea and vomiting and asks GPs and rest homes to manage patients within the community unless they are so ill they urgently need hospitalisation. The cases are highly contagious. ... read more

Fresh fruit and veg still popular at the right price A healthy food initiative that originated in the northern King Country resulted in thousands of families eating more fresh fruit and vegetables and brought extra money into local businesses. Waikato D... read more

Two further Waikato lakes now have health warnings As anticipated, testing late last month has confirmed that cyanobacterial cell counts have risen in Lakes Kainui and Ngaroto.   As of this month, Lakes Waahi, Waikare, Kainui and Ngaroto... read more

Waikato District Health Board's newly employed immunisation coordinator impressed delegates at the National Paediatric Association conference in Hamilton last week with immunisation figures that speak for them... read more

Waikato shallow lakes cyanobacterial warning update Health warnings now in place for Lakes Waikare and Waahi Recent cyanobacterial testing carried out on the six Waikato monitored lakes have started to show rises in cyanobacterial cell counts. This was... read more

A dog that recently died after visiting Coromandel’s Tapu Beach has tested positive for Tetrodotoxin (TTX) - the same toxin found in dogs and sea slugs recently on Auckland beaches. Thames Coromandel District Council s... read more

Waikato shallow lakes cyanobacterial update Health warning in place only for Lake Waikare The most recent cyanobacterial testing carried out on the six monitored lakes have shown generally low cell counts. As at the end of August, the only lake, wh... read more

Tokoroa Hospital continues to remain closed to inpatients for the next 24 hours due to a norovirus outbreak. One patient still has symptoms while another is in isolation. Six staff are off work with five of them still showin... read more

Three patients and eight staff members at Tokoroa Hospital still have norovirus-like symptoms this afternoon. All patients will continue to be either isolated in single rooms or separated in multi-bed rooms with contact pre... read more

Tokoroa Hospital is battling a norovirus outbreak and Waikato District Health Board is urging people, in particular visitors with diarrhoea and vomiting, to stay away until the hospital is symptoms free. Twenty people, 10 staff... read more

Maori Language Week has seen Waikato's Very Important Project (B4 School Checks) give one little boy a sneak preview of their special edition lunchboxes. Just in time for Maori Language Week, B4 School project manager E... read more

Waikato's B4 School Checks on track Waikato's B4 School Checks went live five months ago and those leading out the project are optimistic of a good outcome for the region's four-year-olds. Waikato has the fifth largest eligible population for the B4 Sch... read more

Despite three swine flu-related deaths in the past week, health messages remain the same, says Waikato District Health Board medical officer of health Dell Hood. Waikato DHB health officials met this morning to debrie... read more

re: Hamilton, New Zealand H1N1 deathThe country's first swine flu-related deaths were confirmed today. Three people - a 19-year-old man from Waikato, a 42-year old man from Christchurch and a young girl from Wellington - are th... read more

Two Te Awamutu dairy owners, a Hamilton service station employee and a Hamilton dairy owner are facing possible prosecution and fines of up to $2000 after selling cigarettes to people under the age of 18. ... read more

There are now four confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1), or swine flu, in the Waikato District Health Board region. This figure is up from two cases yesterday, after medical officer of health Anita Bell was... read more

Two further patients and four more employees in Ward 5 at Waikato Hospital have symptoms of norovirus today. That takes the number of people affected this week to 14 patients and five staff. Infection Control clinical nurse manager Vicki Par... read more

A norovirus outbreak in a general medical ward at Waikato Hospital has infection control staff urging the public to stay away from the hospital if they are sick and for GPs and rest homes to treat patients at home... read more

Waikato District Health Board's Population Health Service is currently managing ten possible cases of Influenza A (H1N1). The figures are up from the three possible cases reported yesterday, all of whom wer... read more

Some Thames Hospital staff in contact with patients suffering the affects of diarrhoea and vomiting have themselves now been affected. There were no new cases admitted to Thames Hospital over the weekend but a number of hosp... read more

Thames Hospital has a number of cases of diarrhoea and vomiting and asks GPs and rest homes to manage patients within the community unless they are so ill they urgently need hospitalisation. The cases are highly contagious. ... read more

Influenza A (H1N1) Waikato update JUNE 5, 2009 Background and global information On 24 April 2009, an outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1), previously known as Swine Flu, was reported by the USA and Mexico. This outbreak is continuing to spread globally, an... read more

Kai @ the right price comes at the right time A celebration for an Otorohanga health initiative, now rolled out throughout the Waikato District Health Board region, took place today. And it seems Kai @ the Right Price may have come at just the right tim... read more

More New Zealanders have received seasonal influenza immunisation this year than ever before. Only halfway into its four-month campaign, the National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG) 1 confirmed that 807,539 dose... read more

Clearance of all Waikato’s possible cases of Influenza A (H1N1) came today following three negative test results for “swine flu”. Despite getting the all clear, Waikato District Health Board remains in Coordinated Incident Mana... read more

Waikato District Health Board is currently investigating three possible cases of swine flu (Influenza A H1N1). Notification of two of these possible cases came through yesterday. To date, testing of all Waikato's possible swine flu ... read more

Waikato District Health Board has two possible cases of influenza A (H1N1) or swine flu. Six people are in isolation. Over the weekend four test results came back negative. Waikato DHB remains in Coordinated Incident Manag... read more

Waikato District Health Board received notification of one more possible case of Influenza A (H1N1), or swine flu, today. This brings Waikato's total possible case count to five, with 11 people currently in isolati... read more

MEDIA RELEASE Date: 30 April 2008 Pharmacists dust off the Pandemic Infection Control guidelines Pharmacists will be dusting off their copy of the Pandemic Infection Control guidelines issued to Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand members during the Avian F... read more

Waikato District Health Board is investigating three further possible cases of swine flu today, meaning they are now awaiting test results on four cases. Again, the new cases and their household contacts are taking Ta... read more

As of this afternoon, Waikato District Health Board can confirm their first two possible swine flu cases have tested negative to Influenza A. Waikato DHB received results back from Wellington less than one hour ago. Test results for ... read more

Two clear tests, awaiting oneTest results for two Waikato residents have come back negative for influenza A swine flu. Waikato District Health Board is awaiting more conclusive results for confirmation. The two possible cases and their direct household cont... read more

Statement by Tony RyallI wish to make a Ministerial Statement under standing order 348 in relation to the global influenza  situation and responses here in New Zealand. Mr Speaker, as has been said, this is a t... read more

Does seasonal influenza vaccine work on swine fluThe National Influenza Strategy Group (NISG) 1 confirmed today that there is currently no vaccine available against the new swine influenza virus that has emerged in Mexico. NISG also advises that Tamiflu i... read more

Ministry of Health UPDATE No 7 28 April 2009The test results have been returned as negative for three individuals who returned to New Zealand from travel to Mexico as part of a school trip from Northcote College. The three were part of... read more

Waikato District Health Board is investigating two possible cases of Swine Flu today. These people and their household contacts (people they have been in regular contact with) are being tested to determine whether t... read more

Waikato District Health Board’s Population Health Service is investigating three mumps cases in the area. Medical Officer of Health Dr Anita Bell said people experiencing fever, pain and swelling in the jaw or front of ea... read more

Waikato shallow lakes Cyanobacterial update Warning uplifted for Lake Kainui The cyanobacterial health warning has been lifted for Lake Kainui following the latest monitoring results from the six Waikato shallow lakes that are routinely tested. Warnin... read more

The equivalent of a settlement the size of Te Kuiti is wiped out every year because of smoking, says Waikato District Health Board health promoter Kerri Huaki. She is talking about Face the Facts, part ... read more

About 2000 adults and 1000 children are expected to take part in the 2009 New Zealand Oral Health Survey that is being conducted from March to November 2009. The Ministry of Health commissioned the survey to ... read more

Health warning issued for Waikato River hotspot Bay of Plenty and Waikato residents are being reminded to take care when using Lake Ohakuri, after monitoring has confirmed the presence of an algal bloom in the Whirinaki arm of Lake Ohakuri. A health wa... read more

Four-year-old Hamilton twins Alysha and Grace Gill have five things to do before they turn five.           As Waikato District Health Board's newest billboard models for the B... read more

Warning lifted at HakanoaThe cyanobacterial health warning has been lifted for Hakanoa following the latest monitoring results from the six Waikato shallow lakes which are tested.   Hakanoa’s cell count has n... read more

The toxic shellfish health warning remains in place for the coastline from Kohi Point (Whakatane Heads) to the mouth of the Motu River. People are advised to avoid collecting or eating shellfish from this area u... read more

The health warning issued for toxic shellfish remains in place. Results received today confirm that people should continue to avoid collecting or eating shellfish from the wider Coromandel and Bay of Plenty coastlin... read more

As a result of follow up testing, people are now advised to avoid collecting or eating shellfish from the wider Coromandel and Bay of Plenty coastline from Tairua (including Tairua Harbour) south including Whiritoa, Whang... read more

Jandals, the beach, barbecues and camping are all well-loved features of the quintessential Kiwi summer. However, if you are heading away these holidays, here are some things you need to remember around food safety a... read more

Six monitored lakes now have health warnings As expected, the recent summer weather has resulted in massive growth of cyanobacteria in the routinely monitored shallow lakes. Warnings were already in place fo... read more

The cyanobacterial health warning has been reinstated at Lake Whangape following the latest monitoring results from the six Waikato shallow lakes which are routinely tested. Warnings remain in place at K... read more

Love them, protect them, immunise them That is the catch phrase of Waikato District Health Board's newest addition to it's long list of community-based services. Waikato DHB's Population Health Service is taking child immunisations one step further into... read more

l disease There have been five cases of meningococcal disease notified to Waikato District Health Board since the beginning of June. This is one case less than the 2007 June-July period. Waikato DHB me... read more

At least three people have presented to Thames and Waikato hospitals in the past 10 days, after reportedly taking a white powder substance. The individuals presented to Health Waikato emergency departments with ... read more

The cyanobacterial health warning has been reinstated at Lake Kainui, following the latest monitoring results from the six Waikato shallow lakes. Meanwhile, the warning has now been lifted from Whangape... read more

Parents of more than 25,000 Waikato teenagers will receive realistic advice and information on a range issues affecting 21st century teens, next week. One week out from the ‘whanau pack’ launch, Waikato Distr... read more

A Hamilton service station employee and a dairy owner are facing possible prosecution and a fine of up to $2000 after selling cigarettes to people under 18. Waikato District Health Board’s Population Health S... read more

Six schools in Waikato District Health Board’s region have received a financial helping hand for their planned project or initiative that will improve the nutrition of their students. Hamilton East, Kakahi, Hamilton No... read more

Waikato, King Country and Coromandel secondary schools say a new youth-focused health education tool is just the ticket. In just three weeks, 37 of the region’s 45 secondary schools have participated in the ‘Whan... read more

Media ReleaseDate: 10 April 2008Latest results from the six monitored shallow lakes have resulted in the lifting of a health warning on Lake Waahi. Only three of these lakes, Kainui, Whangape and Waikare, still h... read more

Media releaseDate: April 10, 2008Everyday, public health staff work to protect your health – the public’s health. Whether it be promoting healthy lifestyles in your schools, enforcing hygiene standards in eating es... read more

Media ReleaseDate: April 9, 2008Residents who live near Tamahere’s Icepack Coolstore have received a letter reiterating initial health messages about smoke lingering from the weekend blaze. In the letter, the message... read more

Please find attached a sound bite of Dr Felicity Dumble, Waikato District Health Board medical officer of health. Interview with Dr Felicity DumbleMary Anne GillDirector of Media and CommunicationsWaikato District Health B... read more

Sunday April 6, 2008Waikato District Health Board medical officer of health Dr Felicity Dumble is advising any residents with concerns about the smoke in the area of the fire at Tamahere south of Hamilton to contact a Hamilton ... read more

Are you working on initiatives in your community aimed at getting local families and whanau to eat healthier foods?You could be eligible for a financial hand-up thanks to the launch of the latest Community Partner... read more

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) today reminded people to continue to be careful about eating comb honey purchased from the Coromandel Peninsula since early January this year.   Consumers should ch... read more

If you have purchased comb honey from the Coromandel Peninsula since early January this year, please check with the supplier that the honey has been harvested in accordance with requirements. If people are in any doubt a... read more

Comb honey sold with the brand name “A Taste of Whangamata Pure Honey” and trading under Projen Apiaries is at the centre of the Coromandel suspected honey poisoning. Health officials at Waikato District He... read more

Health officials say a 70-year-old Hamilton woman holidaying in Whangamata is almost certainly the latest struck down by toxic honey poisoning. The woman bought two pots of comb honey from Meat at the Beach Butchers, o... read more

The 32-year-old English tourist at the centre of a toxic honey poisoning scare in the Coromandel has today been discharged from Thames Hospital. Joseph Reynolds, an IT support analyst in London, will continue holidaying in New Z... read more

The 32-year-old English tourist in a satisfactory condition in Thames Hospital with suspected toxic honey poisoning is likely to be discharged tomorrow (Sunday). Joseph Reynolds ate comb honey bought from the Coromandel area o... read more

A 32-year-old man remains in a satisfactory condition in Thames Hospital while two others, a 38-year-old woman and her three-year-old son, have been treated and discharged after displaying the symptoms o... read more

The most recent cyanobacterial cell count results for Waikato shallow lakes show despite warm weather, cell counts have remained low in two of the six monitored lakes. As a result, health warnings in La... read more

Routine testing by Health Waikato’s Food and Nutrition Service has uncovered listeria monocyotogenes in packaged, externally purchased cold beef at Waikato Hospital. The testing was carried out at Waika... read more

One of the country’s largest district health boards is calling for a complete ban on all retail tobacco displays and the minimum age of people selling tobacco set at 25 years and over. In a submission to the... read more

Five Waikato schools have been given a financial boost to help create healthier eating environments for their students.   Tapu, Pukenui, Kopuarahi, Silverdale Normal and Pukete primary schools received a combined total ... read more

With the warm weather this summer, Waikato’s shallow lakes are being monitored more frequently for cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).   Due to the raised and rapid changes in the levels of cyanobacteria in the lakes, curr... read more

Most of us think that popcorn is an easy, light and healthy snack to give kids, and some types are. But did you know that some pre-packaged microwave popcorn contains more fat than a Big Mac burger? When it comes to snacks, k... read more