48 hour no swim rule of thumb after heavy rain

It’s best to avoid swimming in rivers, streams, beaches and harbour areas for at least 48 hours after heavy rain. There is likely to be contamination from rural and urban run-off in water ways after heavy rain. To avoid illnesses such as diarrhoea, vomiting, skin infections or ear infections, follow the rule of thumb of no swimming for at least 48 hours after heavy rain.

Infectious diseases

• Mumps
  There have been a number of mumps cases in New Zealand and in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts in recent weeks.  For more information please view our mumps webpage or visit the Ministry of Health website.

• Whooping cough (pertussis)
  There has been an increase in the number of whooping cough cases in our area and across New Zealand this year.  View our recent media release or our whooping cough page for more information.

• Dengue fever
  People travelling to the Pacific should take extra steps to avoid mosquito bites as outbreaks of dengue fever are common in Pacific Island countries. Other areas often affected by dengue fever include North Queensland (Australia), Asia (including India), Africa and Central/South America. For more information about dengue fever visit the Ministry of Healthwebsite.

• Zika virus
  The Ministry of Health recommends that women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the near term should defer travel to areas with Zika virus present. If travel is essential, if possible delay pregnancy if travelling to these areas. For information about the zika virus and travel visit the Ministry of Health website.

Focus on mental health education in schools after 'concerning' health survey

Kiwis are finding it increasingly difficult to manage their personal wellbeing and that of their families, prompting concerns about the potential flow-on effect to children.

A global survey of 15,000 people, conducted by Cigna Insurance, has revealed just half of New Zealanders feel they can take care of their children's health and wellbeing, with even fewer reporting being able to meet their educational needs.

Prompted by the less-than-favourable results, the insurer's New Zealand arm is partnering with the Life Education Trust to help support improved mental health education in schools.

Free doctors visits are being extended to 13-year-olds and the Government has moved to make GP visits for the poorest up to $30 cheaper.

A $2.2b injection into the health sector over four years is also expected to relieve pressure on struggling District Health Boards, with an extra $100m tagged to addressing burgeoning deficits across 19 of the 20 DHBs.

This would mean Community Services Card holders would have their GP fees lowered to same amount that patients experience in highly-subsidised "Very Low Cost Access" practices.

Extending the free doctors visits from under 13-year-olds to under 14-year-olds had been allocated $3.7m in the first year and $22m over four years.