Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update 31

Media Release
3:00pm, Saturday 9 May 2009

Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update 31
New Zealand situation - updated numbers

The number of confirmed and probable cases reported to the Ministry of Health as at 3:00pm today are:

Seven confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) – this is up two from yesterday as two of the Rangitoto College group who were previously considered probable have now been laboratory confirmed. They have already been isolated and treated with Tamiflu, and are now well.
12 probable cases – this is down two from yesterday because the two cases have moved from probable to confirmed.

As at 3:00pm today, the number of suspected cases and people in isolation and being treated, as advised to the Ministry of Health, are:
62 suspected cases - (down from 75 yesterday.)
The latest figures indicate 158 people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu, down from 278 yesterday.

Numbers of suspected cases, and those receiving treatment and in isolation, will fluctuate when more suspected cases are found, or suspected cases are ruled out.

International update from the World Health Organization

As of 18:00 GMT, 8 May 2009, 25 countries (yesterday 24) have officially reported 2500 cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infection (up from 2371 cases yesterday).

Mexico has reported 1204 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection (up from 1112 yesterday), including 44 deaths (up from 42 yesterday). The United States has reported 896 laboratory confirmed human cases, including two deaths (unchanged).

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Brazil (4), Canada (214), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Colombia (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (12), Germany (11), Guatemala (1), Ireland (1), Israel (7), Italy (6), Netherlands (3), New Zealand (5), Poland (1), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (88), Sweden (1), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (34).   Brazil has today been added to this list by the WHO. Australia has also reported one confirmed case today, but this is yet to be reported by the WHO.

Regular updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu outbreak are available on the WHO website on a regular basis.

Summary

There is no evidence of community transmission in New Zealand. That means, to date, all of the cases have recently returned from travel in areas of concern or are close contacts of cases. New Zealand remains in the containment phase.

Internationally, there has been an increase in the number of cases and countries affected. The WHO is advising continued vigilance. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

Hygiene is the most important step in preventing the spread of influenza. Washing hands properly, for at least 20 seconds, with soap or an alcohol-based rub and drying hands well is the best way to protect yourself from the spread of germs.

Keep coughs and sneezes covered, and dispose of tissues in a covered, lined rubbish bin. Try to stay a metre away from sick people.

This information can be attributed to Dr Mark Jacobs, Director of Public Health

ENDS

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