(H1N1) Swine Flu, Update 42, May 18, 09

Media Release
12:30pm, Monday 18 May 2009

Update 42 - Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu

New Zealand situation

There are no new cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infections 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, with all cases fully recovered.

There are currently 37 suspected cases – (down from 38 yesterday).

The number of suspected cases does change, as more people with symptoms arriving from affected areas are assessed (treated and isolated), and as laboratory testing rules out some suspected cases.

An updated number of people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu will be available later today. (As of Friday, 15 May 2009, there were nine.) 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 Organisation

As of 06:00 GMT, 17 May 2009, 39 countries have officially reported 8480 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 2895 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 66 deaths. The United States has reported 4714 laboratory confirmed human cases, including four deaths. Canada has reported 496 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Costa Rica has reported nine laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Argentina (1), Australia (1), Austria (1), Belgium (4), Brazil (8), China (5), Colombia (11), Cuba (3), Denmark (1), Ecuador (1), El Salvador (4), Finland (2), France (14), Germany (14), Guatemala (3), India (1), Ireland (1), Israel (7), Italy (9), Japan (7), Malaysia (2), Netherlands (3), New Zealand (9), Norway (2), Panama (54), Peru (1), Poland (1), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (103), Sweden (3), Switzerland (1), Thailand (2), Turkey (1), and the United Kingdom (82).

The WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A (H1N1) virus.

The WHO recommends that individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travelers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases, including influenza.

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

This information can be attributed to Dr Fran McGrath, Deputy Director of Public Health.

ENDS

© Scoop Media