Pandemic flu (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update 148

Media Release
7 September 2009

Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update 148

Latest Numbers
The number of deaths from Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu is 17.

Please note these 17 deaths reported by the Ministry are deaths from swine flu, where swine flu was a primary cause of death. Other deaths are being investigated by the Coroner's office.

There are a total of 3146 confirmed cases of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu, up from 3145 on 4 September. These are people who have returned a positive laboratory test for pandemic influenza (H1N1) 09. 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.

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

NZ experience reflected in WHO advice

WHO is monitoring outbreaks from different parts of the world to make some tentative conclusions about how the pandemic might evolve in the coming months. The clinical picture of pandemic influenza is largely consistent around the world - the majority of patients continue to experience a mild illness, Although the virus can cause more severe and occasionally fatal illness in young and healthy people, pregnant women and those with chronic underlying health conditions, the percentage of such cases remains small.

The experience of New Zealand hospitals and intensive care units (ICUs) is reflected in an update on the impact of pandemic influenza released by the World Health Organization. New Zealand ICUs have reported that between 12 - 15% of patients admitted to hospital with pandemic influenza require treatment in an intensive care unit and this is similar to the rates experienced in other countries.

WHO is advising countries in the northern hemisphere to prepare for a second wave of pandemic spread. They advise countries in temperate parts of the southern hemisphere to remain vigilant. International experience has shown that localised "hot spots" of increasing transmission can continue to occur even when the pandemic has peaked at the national level.

The H1N1 virus is now the dominant influenza strain is most parts of the world, and is expected to remain so during the coming northern hemisphere influenza season.

ENDS

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