Update on Swine Flu - Bay of Plenty

28 April 2009
Media Release: Update on Swine Flu

There are still no known cases of swine flu in the Bay of Plenty or Lakes district. Of the 56 people being monitored for suspected swine flu in New Zealand, five are in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes DHB regions.

All five were tracked from the NZ1 flight that arrived on Saturday, and none have shown any symptoms of influenza. All five are in voluntary quarantine and have received Tamiflu. They are being monitored by Toi Te Ora – Public Health.

Bay of Plenty and Lakes DHBs have activated an emergency operations centre to manage a potential outbreak of influenza. The two DHBs have informed staff and health providers, along with monitoring the local situation and liaising with the Ministry of Health.

Toi Te Ora - Public Health, the public health unit that provides public health services to the Lakes and Bay of Plenty DHBs has established an incident centre in Rotorua, and will continue monitoring any suspected cases. Adequate stocks of Tamiflu are on hand and these will be managed through the Medical Officers of Health for the two DHBs.

The current focus for health professionals is people who are feeling unwell who have returned from travel to Mexico or North America in the last two weeks, or those who have been in household contact with people off flight NZ1 that landed on Saturday. Members of the public who have travelled to Mexico or North America in the last fortnight should contact Healthline (0800 611 116) for information regarding the situation. They should seek medical advice if they are displaying flu-like symptoms, however they should ring ahead, or send a companion to reception first before entering a hospital or medical facility.

Everyone is being urged to follow the precautions such as thorough hand washing and covering mouths when coughing or sneezing.

ENDS

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

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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