Food and water borne diseases

Most types of E. coli are harmless. But some can cause diarrhoea (gastroenteritis).

A parasite found in the gut of infected people and animals. People become infected when they swallow the parasites.

Gastroenteritis is a term used to describe the combination of diarrhoea, nausea (with or without vomiting), stomach pain and fever. Gastroenteritis is usually caused by an infection in the stomach and intestines. It is highly infectious, and large numbers of people can be affected in a short amount of time.

A parasite (living thing) found in the guts of people and animals such as cattle, sheep, cats and dogs. It is also found in infected water such as lakes and streams.

A food-borne bacteria that can make you sick. Usually causes few or no symptoms. But some people are more at risk of severe disease.

A virus that causes gastroenteritis. It is very infectious.

Here are some things you can do to prevent getting or passing on food and water borne diseases, such as campylobacter, E. coli or salmonella.

Shigellosis can cause runny poos (diarrhoea) and stomach cramps. It is caused by the shigella bacteria. You can get it from contaminated food or drinking water. Shigellosis is often caught overseas, but some cases and outbreaks do happen in Aotearoa New Zealand.

A bacterial infection that can make you very ill. Typhoid is relatively rare in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Salmonella infection is a type of food poisoning that can cause runny poos (diarrhoea) and stomach cramps. Salmonella is caused by bacteria which live in the intestines of people, birds, and animals. When a person, bird, or animal is infected they pass the bacteria out in their poo (faeces). This can then contaminate food, drinking water and make you sick if you swallow or drink it.