Cook Islands H1N1 Cases

Ministry of Health Media Release
08 July 2009

At 7pm Tuesday 07 July 2009 notification was received from ESR Unit, Wellington, New Zealand that Cook Islands has two further confirmed positive cases of Influenza A H1N1.

These two cases are residents of the Cooks Islands who have not traveled overseas in the last 20 days, live in two different villages Ngatangiia and Tepuka, and who have had no contact with each other. One is a 16 year old male the other a 33 year old female.

Both cases presented to the Flu Clinic at Blackrock on the 3 July 2007, and were treated with appropriate medication and have been in home quarantine since. The Community Health Team has kept in contact with their families each day during home quarantine, and as of this morning no members of their families have any flu like symptoms.

MOH is awaiting the results from New Zealand of two further cases and should have the results later on today.

Cook Islands MOH has planned and prepared well for this event advising the community on coughing techniques and correct ways to wash and dry hands which will stop 80% of infection, making available a special flu clinic at Blackrock, and giving public health advice on home quarantine and the care of the sick.

Social distancing is now a must. Do not go away from your home into the community, attend work or school while you have flu like symptoms. Practice coughing techniques, regularly wash and dry your hands with soap and running water. Get a copy of ‘Taking care of a sick person with influenza in your home’ pamphlet available from Community Health.

The Flu Clinic at Blackrock is open 7 days per week from 8am to 4pm and we urge all who use this health service to phone 29667 first and make an appointment before going to the clinic. This is to stop possible cross infection and lengthy waiting times.

After hours - do not go directly to the Hospital. Phone 22664 and ask to speak to the on duty doctor who will advise you what to do next.

Heather Webber-Aitu
Director of Hospital Health Services

ENDS

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