Update on Preparations for Health Response to flu

Media Update

Friday 1 May 2009 1700 hours

Update on Preparations for Health Response to the Influenza A (H1N1) Threat

Lakes and Bay of Plenty DHBs will continue to closely monitor the Influenza A (H1N1) health response for the district over the weekend from a joint Emergency Operations Centre( EOC).

As of today (Friday 1 May) there are still no confirmed cases in either Lakes or Bay of Plenty districts. There are three suspected cases (people showing symptoms) of H1N1 in isolation and taking Tamiflu and there are six contacts of these three cases (people not showing influenza symptoms) in quarantine and on Tamiflu. Toi Te Ora Public Health Unit and the Medical Officers of Health continue to monitor these people on a daily basis and look after their welfare.

Additionally, nine people who were quarantined earlier this week and given Tamiflu, have now been given the all clear to return to normal life as they all remained free of symptoms.

Adequate stocks of Tamiflu are on hand at the hospitals, and distribution of Tamiflu to people isolated or quarantined in the community, is being managed through the Medical Officers of Health.

EOC Incident Controller Phil Shoemack says the public can feel very confident about the level of preparedness to cope with a health emergency. Currently, New Zealand remains in code yellow and preparations are in place to fully activate in the event of an escalation of the alert code.

All general information going to the public stresses that any one who has travelled to North America or Mexico in the last seven days and is showing flu-like symptoms is asked to urgently contact their GP, preferably by phone in the first instance. Members of the public should contact Healthline (0800 611 116) for information regarding the situation.

Everyone is being urged to follow the normal precautions to prevent the spread of influenza bugs such as thorough hand washing, covering mouths when coughing or sneezing and safe disposal of used tissues.

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

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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