Influenza A (H1N1) Swine flu - Suspects ruled out

May 8, 2009
Suspects ruled out

Today, (May 8) Hawke’s Bay District Health Board has been able to rule out all remaining suspects of Influenza A (H1N1) Swine flu.

The suspects were from a group of students and teachers, who recently returned from a trip to North America, where one of the group was confirmed as having Influenza A (H1N1) Swine flu.

The one student with a confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) had recovered well and was totally free of the virus, and was looking forward to returning to school.

Medical Officer of Health Caroline McElnay said she was very pleased the DHB had contained any spread of the virus and all the students, including the confirmed case, posed no threat of spreading the virus once they were released from isolation, she said.

Dr McElnay said it was important people remained alert and continued to adhere to advice from the Ministry of Health and the DHB as Influenza A (H1N1) was a novel virus and no-one was sure whether there would be a more serious outbreak in the future.

As screening continued at international airports there would always be the chance we will have people returning to the region who had been in contact with the virus – these people would be tested and monitored by the Public Health Unit, she said.

Chief Operating Officer Warrick Frater said he had been impressed with the DHB’s staff that had gone to exceptional lengths and worked long hours to ensure this outbreak of the virus was contained.

That vigilance would be maintained until there was no further evidence of the H1N1 virus in New Zealand, or globally, he said.

Hawke’s Bay was the only region outside Auckland with a confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu and the health sector should be congratulated for responding swiftly and appropriately at this time, Mr Frater said.
ENDS

Status Update: Hawke’s Bay Influenza A (H1N1) health alert

As at noon today 08 May 2009:

• No Hawke’s Bay people are considered suspect for Influenza A (H1N1)

• There are no probable cases for Influenza A (H1N1)

• 1 Hawke’s Bay student has been confirmed with Influenza A (H1N1)

• No-one in Hawke’s Bay remains in isolation/quarantine

These numbers will fluctuate as a result of more suspect cases being found, or suspect/probable cases being ruled out.

HBDHB’s Public Health Unit continues to manage and support those affected; the DHB’s Emergency Operations Centre remains open to coordinate and report on the DHB’s health response.

ENDS

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