Swine Flu - Update Eighty-five: 24:06:09

Media Release
24 June 2009

Non-seasonal Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Eighty-five

DHBs across the country are making sure their communities understand how to prevent the spread of influenza and what they should do if they develop influenza, given that many people will not be able to tell the difference between the usual winter flu and non-seasonal influenza.

Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki and Hutt DHBs are sending information through existing community networks as well as using iwi and community radio to spread the messages.

Waikato DHB has produced posters which are being distributed extensively throughout the region, reminding people how to protect themselves and others.

Capital and Coast DHB is screening staff with symptoms so they do not transmit illness to patients and has posters above each bed reminding visitors to go home if they have any flu-like symptoms.

“That message is a very important one,” says Dr Fran McGrath, Deputy Director of Public Health. “We need to protect the patients already in hospital and ensure our front-line medical staff are healthy so they can treat patients safely. If you have flu-like symptoms, please do not visit people in hospital. However, if you do need to visit, please contact the ward first to discuss what to do.”

While the number of confirmed cases in New Zealand continues to rise, the Ministry of Health says most people who develop non-seasonal Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu will have mild to moderate symptoms and will recover at home without needing medical treatment.

However, as with any influenza, a small number of people will develop more severe symptoms and they should phone Healthline (0800 611 116) or their family doctor for advice.

Dr McGrath says people who already have existing health conditions, such as serious respiratory or heart illnesses should also phone their GP early if they get the flu

“Looking at cases from other countries, many people who develop serious illness related to the non-seasonal influenza already have serious underlying medical problems. The influenza virus can worsen these underlying health conditions."

"In some countries, around 2% of cases have developed severe illness", reports Dr Margaret Chan, Director General, WHO.

Dr Chan says "Most cases of severe and fatal infections have been in adults between the ages of 30 and 50 years. This pattern is significantly different from that seen during epidemics of seasonal influenza, when most deaths occur in frail elderly people. Many, though not all, severe cases have occurred in people with underlying chronic conditions.

Based on limited, preliminary data, conditions most frequently seen include respiratory diseases, notably asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and obesity.”

This was the case in Australia where the two reported deaths from non-seasonal Influenza A(H1N1) were people who had other serious medical conditions.

The three most important things New Zealanders can do to protect themselves and others from influenza this winter are washing and drying your hands, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home if you're unwell.

Latest Numbers

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is 386, up 22 from 364 yesterday. There are 549 suspected cases.

As at 1200hrs 24 June 2009/Confirmed/Probable/Suspected/Number of confirmed H1N1 cases reported in past 7 days*
Northland Public Health Service/3 /5 /29 /3
Auckland Regional Public Health Service/111 /11 /313 /65
Population Health Service Waikato/12 /3 /1 /8
Toi Te Ora - Public Health/14 /4 /46 /10
Tairawhiti DHB/1 /0 /0 /1
Hawke's Bay Public Health Unit/2 /1 /8 /1
Taranaki Health Protection Unit/1 /0 /0 /1
MidCentral Public Health Service/1 /0 /12 /0
Regional Public Health/133 /1 /131 /101
Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service/1 /0 /1 /0
Community and Public Health/107 /6 /8 /68
Public Health South/0 /0 /0 /0
Total/386 /31 /549 /258

The 12 DHBs currently in the 'Manage It' phase are Wairarapa DHB, Hutt Valley DHB, Capital and Coast DHB, Taranaki DHB, Bay of Plenty DHB, Lakes DHB, Waikato DHB, Canterbury DHB, Northland DHB, Auckland DHB, Waitemata DHB and Counties Manukau DHB.

International Update from the World Health Organization

As at 22 June 2009 0:700 GMT, 52,160 confirmed cases of swine flu have been reported, with 231 deaths. For a breakdown of confirmed cases by country and regular updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic go to the WHO website (http://www.who.int ).

Unless otherwise specified, this information can be attributed to Dr Fran McGrath, Deputy Director of Public Health.

For health information and advice, the public should call Healthline 0800 611 116.

For latest updates on Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu, visit wwwmoh.govt.nz

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ENDS

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