Negative swine flu result for three Northcote College students

The test results have been returned as negative for three individuals who returned to New Zealand from travel to Mexico as part of a school trip from Northcote College.

The three were part of a party of 18 from the school who returned to New Zealand on Air New Zealand flight NZ5 arriving in Auckland at 6.30am Saturday morning (25 April).

The three were found to have mild flu like symptoms and they and their families have been treated with anti-viral medicine – tamiflu and have been asked to stay at home.

The three were tested and found negative for influenza type A – this is an important preliminary step in screening for swine flu – the disease currently causing illness and deaths in Mexico. Families were notified of the results last night.

Auckland public health staff are continuing to meet and screen passengers arriving in Auckland travelling from Mexico and the Americas.

Public health staff are also continuing to contact trace individuals on two Air New Zealand flights that arrived in New Zealand on Saturday from Los Angeles – NZ1 and NZ5.

Further updates and developments will be provided by the Ministry of Health throughout the day.

Please attribute these comments to Ministry of Health National Emergency Planning Coordinator Steve Brazier.

ENDS

For further information, please contact Michael Flyger 0274 346 878