Te Whatu Ora in the Hawke’s Bay is warning people to keep away from floodwaters to prevent the spread of a stomach bug.
Public Health experts have warned that flood waters are likely to be contaminated with sewage, which causes gastroenteritis, also known as ‘tummy bug’ or ‘gastro’.
They have also said that people should also stay away from rivers streams and beaches for at least three days after heavy rain because heavy rain flushes contaminants from urban and rural land into water ways.
The suggestion is that people should boil water for at least one minute before drinking, brushing your teeth and washing fruit and vegetables.
If people cannot boil your drinking water, then add purifying tablets or plain, unscented household bleach. Add half a teaspoon of bleach per 10 litres of water, mix and leave for at least 30 minutes or follow instructions on purifying tablets. Store treated water in a covered container.
