A parasitic stomach bug outbreak is spreading across the Wellington region, with Health New Zealand urging whānau, schools, and early childhood centres to take urgent precautions.
Cryptosporidiosis, caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium, is now confirmed in Kāpiti, Porirua, and the Hutt Valley, prompting a renewed public health warning. The illness, commonly known as crypto, causes diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach cramps and is highly contagious—especially among young children.
While initially linked to the toddler and hydrotherapy pools at Hutt Valley’s Te Ngaengae and Huia complexes, the outbreak has since spread into communities and education settings throughout the region.
Dr Craig Thornley, Medical Officer of Health, said many cases likely remain unreported. “What we’re seeing is probably just the tip of the iceberg,” he said. “Crypto is not well killed off by hand sanitiser—soap and water is best. Avoid swimming pools for two weeks after symptoms stop.”
Health NZ’s latest notice, sent Friday to schools and early learning centres across Porirua and beyond, warned the parasite is now spreading rapidly through whānau and tamariki. It urged communities to double down on hygiene practices to stop further spread:
- Wash hands with soap and water, not sanitiser
- Keep tamariki home for 48 hours after gastro symptoms end
- Clean surfaces with hot soapy water before disinfecting
- Avoid pools for two weeks after illness
The bug is resistant to chlorine and undetectable in routine pool water testing, making prevention crucial.
Hutt City Pools + Fitness said it had taken swift action to close and disinfect affected pools, and reassured the public that extra measures were in place.
Fact sheets and swimming guidelines are available through the Health NZ website https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/
