Update 53 - Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu

Media Release
1:00pm, Friday 29 May 2009

Update 53 - Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu
 

New Zealand’s efforts to contain the influenza A (H1N1) swine flu virus and delay any spread into the community, continue to be successful.

There remains no evidence of community spread of the virus in New Zealand. All of New Zealand’s cases had recently returned from travel in affected areas or were close contacts of cases. But as more countries report cases and more see local spread of the virus, it will become increasingly difficult to keep influenza A (H1N1) out of New Zealand.

Given the continuing increase in the number of overseas cases being notified to the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health has updated its information for travellers and is working with Customs to ensure all incoming international travellers receive the notification.  There will also be a greater profile of health information at airports through posters and billboards. The number of confirmed cases in Australia continues to rise (148), and some schools have been closed.

New Zealand’s Director of Public Health Dr Mark Jacobs will be writing to schools next week to advise them about the issue, and what it might mean for schools when the infection starts to spread in New Zealand.  It's been over three years since the planning was done around Avian Influenza. The messages are largely the same though systems and processes need to be revisited to make sure they are up-to-date.

Screening and information for international flights continues and anyone who is unwell is advised not to travel.

Anyone who has recently travelled overseas and is ill with influenza symptoms should phone their GP or call Healthline. Advice for New Zealanders travelling or living overseas is available on the MFAT website (http://www.safetravel.govt.nz).

New Zealand situation

There are no new cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infection in New Zealand. The cumulative total of known past infections remains at nine, with all cases fully recovered.  The cumulative total of probable cases remains at 10.

There are currently 30 suspected cases, up from 23 yesterday. The numbers of suspected cases fluctuate as more people with symptoms arriving from affected areas are assessed (treated and isolated), and as laboratory testing rules out some suspected cases.

There are 23 people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu. This is down from 24 yesterday. 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, 27 May 2009, 48 countries have officially reported 13,398 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 95 deaths.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given in the WHO website (http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_05_27a/en/index.html).

Regular updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak are available on the WHO website on a regular basis (http://www.who.int).

 
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