H1N1 Swine Flu - Update 38, May 14, 2009

Media Release
1 pm Thursday 14 May 2009

Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Thirty-Eight

New Zealand situation - Updated numbers

The number of confirmed and probable cases reported to the Ministry of Health as at 12.30 pm today is unchanged.

- There are seven confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) - this figure has been unchanged since Saturday 9 May.

- There are 12 probable cases - this figure is unchanged since Saturday 9 May.

All confirmed and probable cases are now recovered.

- 41 suspected cases - (down 8 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.

It is estimated that there are currently nine people in isolation - unchanged since 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.

International Update from the World Health Organization

As of 06:00 GMT, 13 May 2009, 33 countries have officially reported 5728 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 2059 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 56 deaths. The United States has reported 3009 laboratory confirmed human cases, including three deaths. Canada has reported 358 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

END

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