A case-control study and molecular epidemiology of yersiniosis in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The objective of this study was to determine risk factors and sources attributed to yersiniosis in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). A risk factor questionnaire was administered to 247 notified yersiniosis cases and 258 control participants from the Canterbury and/or Wellington regions of NZ. sp.

Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 during Border Quarantine and Air Travel, New Zealand (Aotearoa).

The strategy in New Zealand (Aotearoa) to eliminate coronavirus disease requires that international arrivals undergo managed isolation and quarantine and mandatory testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Combining genomic and epidemiologic data, we investigated the origin of an acute case of coronavirus disease identified in the community after the patient had spent 14 days in managed isolation and quarantine and had 2 negative test results. By combining genomic sequence analysis and epidemiologic investigations, we identified a multibranched chain of transmission of this virus, including on international and domestic flights, as well as a probable case of aerosol transmission without direct person-to-person contact.

Pregnant women's knowledge of, and adherence to, New Zealand Food Safety in Pregnancy guidelines.

Aim: Pregnant women are at increased risk for contracting foodborne illness. Simple food safety precautions can prevent illness. The aim of this study was to examine pregnant women's knowledge of, and adherence to, the New Zealand Food Safety in Pregnancy guidelines.

The epidemiology of listeriosis in pregnant women and children in New Zealand from 1997 to 2016: an observational study.

Background: Listeria monocytogenes causes the foodborne infection listeriosis. Pregnant women, infants and immunocompromised children are at increased risk for infection. The aim of this study was to describe the trends in the epidemiology of disease notifications and hospital admissions due to listeriosis in pregnant women aged 15 to 45 years and children aged less than 15 years in New Zealand (NZ) from 1997 to 2016.

Epidemiology of Campylobacter Gastroenteritis in New Zealand Children and the Effect of The Campylobacter Strategy: A 20-year Observational Study.

Background: Campylobacter species are a common cause of gastroenteritis in New Zealand (NZ) as well as worldwide. This study aimed to describe epidemiologic trends in disease notifications and hospital admissions because of Campylobacter gastroenteritis in NZ children from 1997 to 2016.

Methods: In this population-based descriptive study, age-specific and age-standardized notification and hospitalization rates were analyzed for Campylobacter infections in children <15 years of age.

The epidemiology of non-viral gastroenteritis in New Zealand children from 1997 to 2015: an observational study.

Background: Acute gastroenteritis is a substantial cause of hospitalization in children. Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Yersinia, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), Giardia and Cryptosporidium are gastrointestinal pathogens that are notifiable in New Zealand (NZ). The impact of these infections in the pediatric population has not yet been analyzed.

Vaccine Impact on Long-term Trends in Invasive Bacterial Disease in New Zealand Children.

Background: Vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae have been serially introduced into the New Zealand national immunization schedule since the 1990s. This study aimed to describe long-term trends in the rates of these invasive bacterial infections in children from New Zealand and compare these to recent UK data.

Methods: This population-based observational study used 2 national datasets that collect data about hospital discharges (National Minimum Dataset) and notifiable diseases (Epurv).

Effectiveness of border screening for detecting influenza in arriving airline travelers.

Objectives: We measured symptom and influenza prevalence, and the effectiveness of symptom and temperature screening for identifying influenza, in arriving international airline travelers.

Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from travelers to Christchurch International Airport, New Zealand, in winter 2008, via a health questionnaire, temperature testing, and respiratory sampling.

Results: Forms were returned by 15 976 (68%) travelers.

Impact of improved treatment on disease burden of chronic hepatitis C in New Zealand.

Background: We describe the burden of HCV infection and estimate the effect of four different treatment strategies to reduce HCV-related morbidity and mortality.

Methods: Baseline model parameters were based upon literature review and expert consensus, focusing on New Zealand data. Four scenarios were modelled: Scenario 1 estimated the impact of increased treatment efficacy, while Scenario 2 estimated the effect of increased treatment efficacy and gradual increases in numbers treated.

A waterborne outbreak of campylobacteriosis in the South Island of New Zealand due to a failure to implement a multi-barrier approach.

Outbreaks of waterborne gastroenteritis continue to occur in developed countries. Darfield, a rural town in the South Island of New Zealand experienced an outbreak of campylobacteriosis following a transgression of Escherichia coli on 16 August 2012. A descriptive outbreak investigation was performed.

Evaluation of the Canterbury under-18 seasonal influenza vaccination programme.

Aim: To evaluate the performance of the 2013 Canterbury under-18 seasonal influenza vaccination programme (Christchurch, New Zealand).

Methods: Routinely collected under 18 influenza vaccination uptake data were analysed to determine levels of vaccination uptake and equity of uptake across ethnic groups (NZ European, Maori and Pacific) and by level of deprivation. Qualitative data were collected to identify strategies that helped to achieve high uptake in primary care practices and schools.

Hand sanitiser provision for reducing illness absences in primary school children: a cluster randomised trial.

Background: The potential for transmission of infectious diseases offered by the school environment are likely to be an important contributor to the rates of infectious disease experienced by children. This study aimed to test whether the addition of hand sanitiser in primary school classrooms compared with usual hand hygiene would reduce illness absences in primary school children in New Zealand.

Methods And Findings: This parallel-group cluster randomised trial took place in 68 primary schools, where schools were allocated using restricted randomisation (1:1 ratio) to the intervention or control group.

[Effectiveness of border screening for detecting Influenza in arriving airline travelers].

Objectives: We measured symptom and influenza prevalence, and the effectiveness of symptom and temperature screening for identifying influenza, in arriving international airline travelers.

Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from travelers to Christchurch International Airport, New Zealand, in winter 2008, via a health questionnaire, temperature testing, and respiratory sampling.

Results: Forms were returned by 15 976 (68%) travelers.

Estimated community costs of an outbreak of campylobacteriosis resulting from contamination of a public water supply in Darfield, New Zealand.

Aim: To estimate the economic costs to the community of an outbreak of campylobacteriosis in August 2012 resulting from contamination of a public water supply in Darfield, New Zealand.

Method: Probable incidence of waterborne disease was estimated. Reported cases were scrutinised to identify symptoms, duration, hospital admissions and those in the paid workforce.

HIV-related risk factors among black African migrants and refugees in Christchurch, New Zealand: results from the Mayisha-NZ survey.

Aim: To describe the demographic characteristics of, and HIV-related risk behaviours among, black African migrants and refugees in Christchurch.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of black African migrants and refugees in Christchurch was carried out. Ten trained African community researchers recruited study participants in social venues and events frequented by Africans.

Pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09: risk of infection in primary healthcare workers.

Background: Healthcare workers in primary care are at risk of infection during an influenza pandemic. The 2009 influenza pandemic provided an opportunity to assess this risk.

Aim: To measure the prevalence of seropositivity to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 among primary healthcare workers in Canterbury, New Zealand, following the 2009 influenza pandemic, and to examine associations between seropositivity and participants' sociodemographic characteristics, professional roles, work patterns, and seasonal influenza vaccination status.

Effectiveness of border screening for detecting influenza in arriving airline travelers.

Objectives: We measured symptom and influenza prevalence, and the effectiveness of symptom and temperature screening for identifying influenza, in arriving international airline travelers.

Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from travelers to Christchurch International Airport, New Zealand, in winter 2008, via a health questionnaire, temperature testing, and respiratory sampling.

Results: Forms were returned by 15 976 (68%) travelers.

Hand sanitisers for reducing illness absences in primary school children in New Zealand: a cluster randomised controlled trial study protocol.

Background: New Zealand has relatively high rates of morbidity and mortality from infectious disease compared with other OECD countries, with infectious disease being more prevalent in children compared with others in the population. Consequences of infectious disease in children may have significant economic and social impact beyond the direct effects of the disease on the health of the child; including absence from school, transmission of infectious disease to other pupils, staff, and family members, and time off work for parents/guardians. Reduction of the transmission of infectious disease between children at schools could be an effective way of reducing the community incidence of infectious disease.

Screening for influenza infection in international airline travelers.

We sought the collaboration of an international airline and border control agencies to study the feasibility of entry screening to identify airline travelers at increased risk of influenza infection. Although extensive and lengthy negotiations were required, we successfully developed a multisector collaboration and demonstrated the logistical feasibility of our screening protocol. We also determined the staffing levels required for a larger study to estimate the prevalence of influenza in international airline travelers.

Dispatches from the front-line: an analysis of fluoridation campaigns in southern New Zealand, 2002-2006.

Objectives: The paper aims to analyse recent campaigns for water fluoridation in the South Island and to identify lessons to be learned from the outcomes.

Design: The research uses a systematic case study analysis based on a public policy framework, drawing on key informants, public documents and participant observation of campaigns in five separate communities.

Results: Over a four-year period in five specific communities (Gore and Southland in 2004; Ashburton in 2002 and 2006; and Grey and Westland in 2005), the opportunity to introduce or retain fluoridation was rejected by local Councils.

The Law Reform (Epidemic Preparedness) Bill--a proper response to the pandemic threat?

The ethical frameworks for public health practice are not as clearly articulated as those used in clinical medicine. This poses problems when Medical Officers of Health are required to exercise coercive powers over individuals in the context of communicable disease control. Proposed legislation exacerbates this problem.

Young people's use of condoms and their perceived vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections.

Objective: Although sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are most prevalent among young people, they do not use condoms consistently to prevent infection. This study examined young people's perceptions of vulnerability to STIs and pregnancy.

Method: A cross-sectional survey on sexual behaviour was carried out on a stratified random sample of school-going Year 12 and Year 13 young people aged 16-18 years in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Knowledge and attitudes about influenza vaccination amongst general practitioners, practice nurses, and people aged 65 and over.

Aims: To identify knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs influencing influenza-immunisation coverage in people aged 65 years and over in New Zealand

Methods: A postal survey of general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses (PNs) was carried out during 2001-2002 in four regions of New Zealand (Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Christchurch) with low or high influenza-immunisation coverage, based on 2000 data. A telephone survey of people aged 65 and over was also carried out in each region. Both surveys assessed knowledge and attitudes about influenza and influenza vaccination, including barriers to vaccination and personal vaccination status.