Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu: Update 153
Media Release
30 September 2009
Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update 153
As at midday today two
people are reported to be in hospital with Pandemic
Influenza (H1N1) 09 or its complications.
Since May 2009 the cumulative total of people in New Zealand who have returned a positive laboratory test for pandemic influenza (H1N1) 09 is 3163, compared with 3161 reported on Wednesday last week.
The number of deaths from Pandemic Influenza
(H1N1) swine flu where swine flu was a primary cause is 18,
following the death this week in Auckland of a 67 year old
woman reportedly without the underlying health conditions
that have been associated with more severe illness. Some
deaths are still being investigated by the Coroner.
Border control:
The Ministry of Health intends to today suspend inflight cabin announcements around Swine flu, and return to the normal levels of health screening of flights in and out of New Zealand.
The reported level of influenza has declined to levels similar to the level at this time in the past two years. Influenza is still circulating, but this measure better reflects the reduced level of risk.
A public health presence will be
maintained at international airports. Help is still
available for passengers identified as potentially sick by
aircrew or who self-identify. Anyone needing assistance will
be assessed by a paramedic then transported to hospital or
advised how to seek medical help.
Tamiflu:
Medsafe - the Ministry of Health unit responsible for assessing medicines and vaccines - has approved a two year extension to expiry dates currently shown on boxes of Tamiflu in New Zealand.
This extension follows Medsafe's evaluation of data supplied by Roche, the manufacturer of Tamiflu, demonstrating that the product continues to meet its safety and quality specifications for two years beyond the original date. Medsafe reviewed this data and approved extending Tamiflu’s shelf life from five years to seven years, meaning two years can be added to the expiry date shown on packet and foil packs containing Tamiflu capsules.
The
move follows a decision by regulatory authorities in
Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, the US and the European Union
which have also extended Tamiflu’s shelf life by two
years.
Healthline Calls
The percentage of callers to Healthline with influenza-like symptoms is stabilising at a rate similar to last year.
GP Consultations
Click to enlarge
The number of GP
consultations based on a sample of sentinel practices,
continues to decline and is only a little higher than at the
same time in the last two years.
The data are from the
Institute of Environmental Science and Research's (ESR)
sentinel general practice surveillance system.
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/publishing.nsf/Content/updates
International Update from the World Health
Organization
http://www.who.int/en/
ENDS