H1N1 planning being taken seriously by BOP DHB

MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday 19 May 2009

Influenza A (H1N1) planning being taken seriously
by Lakes and Bay of Plenty DHBs

Although the risk of Influenza A (H1N1) in the Lakes and Bay of Plenty DHB areas is currently low, Medical Officer of Health Dr Neil de Wet says the situation is being taken very seriously and there is still a lot of work going on locally and nationally.

Dr de Wet says the Public Health Unit is managing one suspected case who is at home in precautionary isolation. This person has mild illness and, after further review, is likely to be released from isolation tomorrow (Wednesday 20 May).

This outbreak is continuing to spread globally and the situation is evolving rapidly. Influenza A (H1N1) has now been officially reported in 40 countries with 8829 confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) reported to WHO (as of Monday 18 May). Australia now has a confirmed case.

Dr de Wet says while the virus is tending to act more like a typical seasonal influenza virus and Ministry of Health efforts to contain and limit the spread at the border appear effective, World Health Organisation advice is to not relax vigilance.

A joint Lakes/ Bay of Plenty DHB Emergency Operations Centre has been operating from Rotorua Hospital for the past three weeks. A number of staff from both DHBs have been spending time in the roles in the EOC gaining experience in how to operate in the Co-ordinated Incident Management System (CIMS ) roles to ensure that in the event of an escalation in alert, the EOC can be sustainably staffed.

EOC Incident Controller Hannes Schoeman says a significant amount of planning is going on and a number of staff across the DHBs are doing a lot of work to increase preparedness in the event of a change in alert level.

Staff at both DHBs have been planning to set up Community Based Assessment Centres (CBACs) within 24 hours should this be necessary to manage large numbers of people with influenza-like illness presenting to hospital emergency departments and GP practices.

Liaison work with primary and community contracted health providers, and Maori communities continues and key stakeholders are being advised to take the opportunity to review Emergency Management plans to ensure they know what they should be considering in the event that a pandemic does occur.

The WHO is not currently 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 travellers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases, including influenza.

Good hygiene is the most important step in preventing the spread of influenza and other winter viruses. Try to stay a metre away from sick people and if you are ill do not go to work or school. Everyone is advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis. Keep coughs and sneezes covered, and dispose of tissues in a covered, lined rubbish bin.
Members of the public who have any concerns regarding Influenza A (H1N1) should contact Healthline (0800 611 116).

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Incident Controller for Joint Lakes and Bay of Plenty Pandemic Planning Committee, Hannes Schoeman

Recommended Measures to Help Prevent the Spread of Flu

1. Wash your hands
a. By washing your hands with soap under warm running water, you will reduce your chance of getting the flu.
b. Alcohol-based hand gel can also be used if soap and water are not readily available. It’s a good idea to keep some with you in your pocket or purse when you travel.
2. Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette.
a. Cover your mouth and/or nose to reduce the spread of germs. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.
3. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
4. Cover your mouth and nose to reduce the spread of germs. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.
5. Monitor your health.
6. If you develop flu-like symptoms when you return to New Zealand, you should seek medical attention immediately. Ring first if possible.
7. Tell the health care provider who sees you that you have been travelling to North America and/or Mexico.

ENDS

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