Update 51 - Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu

Media Release
12:30pm, Wednesday 27 May 2009

Update 51 - Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu
 

Case numbers in New Zealand remain stable and we are maintaining our vigilance. Given the continuing increase in the number of overseas cases being notified to the World Health Organization, we also plan to strengthen messages to travellers coming into New Zealand

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 traveling 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 11, up from 10 yesterday.

The new probable case is a person who arrived from Canada and had flu symptoms upon arrival at Auckland Airport. This overseas passenger is now in isolation and being treated with Tamiflu.

There are currently 26 suspected cases (up from 25 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.

Exact numbers of people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu will be provided in the next update (there were 10 reported 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, 26 May 2009, 46 countries have officially reported 12,954 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 92 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_23/en/index.html).

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.

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