Novel Influenza A (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu- Update 104

The number of confirmed deaths in New Zealand from Novel Influenza A (H1N1) 09 swine flu remains at seven.

Deputy Director of Public Health Dr Fran McGrath says it is important to remember that most people who get this pandemic influenza will have a mild to moderate illness.

"If people have symptoms which get worse, it is important they phone their GP or Healthline for advice," she says. " Symptoms which may require further medical advice include difficulty breathing or chest pain, a high temperature, drowsiness, severe vomiting or a cough with blood or green phlegm."

Others at particular risk who should phone their GP or Healthline if they get influenza include pregnant women, and adults and children with respiratory disease, heart disease, liver disease or blood disorders.

Further information about symptoms which require medical advice is also on our website:
http://www.moh.govtnz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-care-advice

Latest Numbers

The cumulative total of confirmed cases of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) 09 swine flu is 1779, up from 1555 on Friday 10 July, and the number of confirmed deaths in New Zealand from Novel Influenza A (H1N1) as reported to the Ministry of Health, remains at seven.

Tomorrow the Ministry of Health will provide its weekly snapshot of the novel influenza - the numbers of people consulting GPs, and numbers admitted to hospital and in Intensive Care Units throughout the country.

This will provide a more accurate picture of the impact of influenza around the country and the effect on health services.

The cumulative total of confirmed cases by region is no longer being reported because the actual number of cases of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) 09 will be significantly higher, as only a small proportion of people with symptoms are now 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 & Ageing website:
http://www.healthemergencygov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf/Content/updates-12july09.htm

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, because an increasing number of cases in many countries, including New Zealand, 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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