Swine Flu - Update 113: 22.07.09

Media Release
22 July 2009

Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update 113

Students living in close contact with others, for example student accommodation and boarding schools, need to be proactive in keeping themselves healthy, and in being careful to limit the spread of influenza if they have symptoms.

Deputy Director of Public Health Dr Fran McGrath says, "Information from New Zealand and other countries is that this pandemic influenza is more likely to infect children and young people. So students need to be especially vigilant about reducing their chance of getting the virus and passing it on to others."

Good personal hygiene including washing and drying hands frequently and covering coughs and sneezes, are the most effective ways of limiting spread of this virus. Sick students should stay away from classes and keep their distance from other people.

General practices saw a small decrease over the second week of the holidays, in consultations for influenza symptoms. Schools which reopened this week for a new term have been bracing themselves for an increase in sickness among students now the holiday period has ended.

Latest Numbers

There are a total of 2477 confirmed cases of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu, up from 2443 yesterday.

The actual number of cases of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 will be significantly higher, as only a small proportion of people with symptoms are being tested.

This is because for most people, it's a mild illness and they will recover readily at home without needing medical treatment.

The number of deaths from Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu is now 11, which is unchanged since yesterday. These reported deaths are deaths where pandemic influenza or its complications are the primary cause of death.

Australian Situation

For the number of confirmed cases in Australia, go to the Australian Government's Department of Health and Ageing website at:
http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishingnsf/Content/updates

International Update from the World Health Organization

The World Health Organization is no longer issuing tables showing the numbers of confirmed cases for all countries.

This is because there are an increasing number of cases in many countries, including New Zealand, which is making it extremely difficult to confirm laboratory testing in an accurate and timely manner. For more information about this reporting change go to the WHO website: http://www.who.int/en/

ENDS

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