595 Results

  • Severe weather events linked to outbreaks of crypto in Aotearoa – New study

    … disease cryptosporidiosis in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). We found statistical evidence that weather events with … infectious disease. This finding is consistent with other NZ and international evidence, though additional research is … so since  rainfall intensity is expected to keep rising in NZ due to climate change. This study provides yet further …
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  • Can pandemic threats justify border closure for island nations like NZ?

    … the costs and benefits of complete border closure in NZ in response to new pandemic threats. We found that there … some very severe pandemic scenarios where rapid closure of NZ’s border could provide overall societal benefit – even … could become a rational choice for island nations like NZ. That is especially if that closure decision could be made …
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  • The need for a robust scientific definition for the elimination of COVID-19 from New Zealand

    … country or region requires continued preventive measures. NZ has successfully eliminated poliomyelitis, hydatid disease, and brucellosis [3]. NZ’s polio-free status required a verification process and … are scrutinised by a WHO verification commission [4]. The NZ Government has adopted a goal of eliminating COVID-19, …
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  • Weekly deaths declined in NZ’s lockdown – but we still don’t know exactly why

    … possibly the most dramatic public health intervention in NZ history. It helped achieve the elimination of community transmission of the COVID-19 virus in NZ. But it was also associated with 548 fewer total deaths … informed assessments. We examined weekly death data for NZ up to 8 June 2020 (the first 23 weeks into the year) and …
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  • Vaping very likely to be improving health in NZ – but how does this compare with other options?

    … for tobacco smoking, will improve the health of the NZ population. The estimated health gain is about the same as … liberalisation of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes – as NZ is doing. In this blog we discuss this new study and … potential health gain – and minimise risks.   Our joint NZ/Australian team used a computer simulation model to …
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  • New study on going smokefree – major economic gains for NZ society with manageable costs for government

    … our just published study on the economics of Aotearoa NZ’s smokefree endgame policy package (ie, the smokefree law … policies would generate considerable growth in income for NZ citizens with a total cumulative gain of US$31 billion … of Public Health, University of Otago Wellington  Dr Driss Ait Ouakrim , Population Interventions Unit, The …
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  • Management of Auckland’s border and COVID-19

    … for people travelling from Auckland to other parts of NZ to help maintain elimination in those places (to give time … and in people in the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). Based on that comparison, we assess whether current … University of Otago, Wellington. Corresponding author: Dr Lucy Telfar Barnard (available for media contact: …
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  • Poor ventilation in public transport settings in Aotearoa NZ: New data for buses and trains

    … (CO 2 ) levels in public transport settings in Aotearoa NZ as a proxy measure for poor ventilation and increased … respectively (CO 2  levels above 800 ppm). These and other NZ findings (eg, from a 2022 study of Wellington’s Metlink … in New Zealand” [Greater Wellington communication with Dr Telfar Barnard on 2 June 2023]. Potentially, buses and …
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  • More wastewater testing could guide optimal Covid-19 control on the path back to elimination

    … wastewater testing as part of Covid-19 control in Aotearoa NZ. Our analysis suggests that wastewater testing is much … weekly or twice weekly testing [Personal Communication, Dr Brent Gilpin, ESR]. Sampling methods also vary by site, … being the ideal. According to the Chief Scientist at ESR, Dr Brett Cowan, wastewater testing in NZ can typically detect …
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  • Potential for an avian influenza pandemic: Time for NZ to ramp up preparedness

    … its spread is a warning for Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) to review and enhance our pandemic preparedness.   At a … zoonotic A(H5N1) virus transmission to people. 9 10 NZ has systems to reduce the risk of importing A(H5N1) from … Otago Wellington, and Public Health Communication Centre Dr Oz Mansoor , Medical Officer of Health, Tairāwhiti (on …
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Public Health Expert Briefing (ISSN 2816-1203)