Update 52 - Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu

Update 52 - Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu

Case numbers in New Zealand remain stable and we are continuing efforts to contain the influenza A (H1N1) swine flu virus and prevent community transmission.

The number of overseas cases being notified to the World Health Organisation continues to increase.
Messages to travellers coming to New Zealand will be further strengthened. Screening of international flights, which began at the start of the international outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) swine flu virus, continues as part of New Zealand’s efforts to contain the virus and delay any spread into the community.

There remains no evidence of community spread of the virus in New Zealand. All of New Zealand’s cases had recently returned from travel in affected areas or were close contacts of cases. But as more countries report cases and more see local spread of the virus, it will become increasingly difficult to keep influenza A (H1N1) out of New Zealand.

Anyone who has recently travelled overseas and is ill with influenza symptoms should phone their GP or call Healthline. Anyone who is unwell should not travel. Advice for New Zealanders travelling or living overseas is available on the MFAT website (http://www.safetravel.govt.nz).

New Zealand situation

There are no new cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infection in New Zealand. The cumulative total of known past infections remains at nine, with all cases fully recovered. The cumulative total of probable cases is 10, down one from yesterday. This is because one case listed as probable yesterday has been denotified.

There are currently 23 suspected cases (down from 26 yesterday). The numbers of suspected cases fluctuate as more people with symptoms arriving from affected areas are assessed (treated and isolated), and as laboratory testing rules out some suspected cases.

There are 24 people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu. This is up from five on Tuesday (there was no update available yesterday). 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 Organization

As of 06:00 GMT, 27 May 2009, 48 countries have officially reported 13,398 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 95 deaths.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given in the WHO website http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_05_27a/en/index.html

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

ENDS

© Scoop Media