Public Health South is reporting a rise in the number of people with bacterial gastroenteritis across the district.

The organisation's urging residents to practise good hand hygiene accordingly, as it's the best way to minimise getting and spreading the illness.

It says the main bacteria responsible are Campylobacter and a type of Salmonella associated with farm animals.

While numbers remain low, at less than five cases, increases tend to happen at this time of year around calving and lambing season.

A major risk factor for becoming infected with gastroenteritis is close contact with animals, particularly farm animals.