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H1N1 Swine Flu Update 37 - May 13,

Media Release
1.00 pm Wednesday 13 May 2009
Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Thirty-Seven

New Zealand situation - Updated numbers

The number of confirmed and probable cases reported to the Ministry of Health as at 1pm today are:

- Seven confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) - unchanged since Saturday 9 May.
*
It's important to note that these seven cases contracted the virus while travelling from affected countries overseas. They experienced a mild illness and have since made a full recovery and are back to their usual daily activities. All were treated with the anti-viral medication, Tamiflu, and were in isolation until they were no longer infectious. There is no evidence of community transmission of the virus.

- 12 probable cases - unchanged since Saturday 9 May.
- 49 suspected cases - (down 1 since yesterday)

Numbers of suspected cases fluctuate as more people with symptoms arrive from affected areas are assessed (treated and isolated), and as laboratory testing rules out some suspected cases.

The numbers of people currently in isolation is has decreased significantly. It is now estimated to be nine (down from 70 yesterday). Exact numbers are not currently available and the numbers of people in isolation vary according to when they complete 72 hours of the five day course of Tamiflu.

"The Ministry of Health regularly reviews both the international and national situation. While our efforts to contain and limit spread at the border appear effective, there are increasing numbers of cases in more countries and World Health Organization advice is to not relax vigilance. Expert advice is that the virus is unstable and likely to mutate with the possibility of an increase in risk.

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"Our current assessment is that we continue with the steps we already have in place."

The fact that the number of confirmed and probable cases has remained stable suggests that our border control and containment measures are being effective. New Zealand is doing really well, and I would like to thank the public for their continued cooperation. I would also like to thank all front line health workers in general practices and staff working at the airports who are providing health screening services; advice to travellers; contact tracing and treating suspected cases in the community," Dr McGrath said.

International Update from the World Health Organization
As of 06:00 GMT, 12 May 2009, 30 countries have officially reported 5251 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 2059 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 56 deaths. The United States has reported 2600 laboratory confirmed human cases, including three deaths. Canada has reported 330 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Costa Rica has reported eight laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Argentina (1), Australia (1), Austria (1), Brazil (8), China (2, comprising 1 in China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and 1 in mainland China), Colombia (3), Denmark (1), El Salvador (4), France (13), Germany (12), Guatemala (1), Ireland (1), Israel (7), Italy (9), Jan (4), Netherlands (3), New Zealand (7), Norway (2), Panama (16), Poland (1), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (95), Sweden (2), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (55).

WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A (H1N1) virus.

The WHO recommends that individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travelers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases, including influenza.

Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.

This information can be attributed to Dr Fran McGrath, Deputy Director of Public Health

ENDS

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