Update on Response to Influenza A (H1N1) Threat

Media Release

Tuesday 5 May 2009 1600 hours

Media Update on Health Response to Influenza A (H1N1) Threat

Lakes and Bay of Plenty DHBs report that there are currently two suspected cases of Influenza A (H1N1) in isolation and eight contacts (with no symptoms) in quarantine in the two districts. There are still no confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) in the Lakes or Bay of Plenty areas.

Medical Officer of Health Neil de Wet says all of these cases and contacts are expected to be out of isolation or quarantine in the next 24 hours. Five of these people are in the Lakes area and five are in the Bay of Plenty area. Toi Te Ora Public Health and the two DHBs will continue to closely monitor the situation as there is still a need to maintain emphasis on limiting the spread of Influenza A (H1N1) and there could still be more people identified as possible contacts.

Dr de Wet says none of the suspected cases who have been monitored by the Public Health Unit have had severe symptoms. He says most people have been kept in isolation or quarantine for three days and there continues to be adequate supplies of Tamiflu to treat the cases identified in the two DHB areas.

Lakes and Bay of Plenty DHBs continue to monitor the situation out of a joint Emergency Operations Centre at Rotorua Hospital. EOC Incident Controller Gary Lees says the situation regarding the management of Influenza A (H1N1) is well in hand and the joint EOC arrangement is working well. He says it has been an excellent chance for EOC staff to practice their roles in a real situation and sort out processes.

Nationally, there is still no evidence of community transmission. That means that to date, all of the cases have recently returned from travelling to affected areas or are close contacts of cases.

The Ministry of Health says it is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention by contacting 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.
ENDS

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

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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