Positive test for H1N1 (Swine flu) in Auckland

Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Jacobs announced tonight that results from some of the Rangitoto College party who tested positive to Influenza A on Sunday, have also tested positive for Swine Flu H1N1.

Results from three of the samples were received earlier this evening from the World Health Organization regional laboratory in Melbourne and all tested positive for the same strain of Swine Flu. Testing continues on a fourth sample.

On the basis of these results, we are assuming that all of the people in the group who had tested positive for Influenza A have Swine Flu. As a result we are continuing with the current treatment which has been based on this assumption.

We were advised that the lab in Melbourne selected four of the best samples of the very delicate genetic material to analyse. They found three positive results and one is still to be confirmed.

Staff from Auckland Regional Public Health are getting in touch with those affected and informing them of the results. This is expected to be completed by 10:00pm tonight.

All ten are understood to be recovering at home.

There is no need to change the treatment and follow-up of the Rangitoto College group. The Tamiflu treatment will continue and they will remain in home isolation and should complete 72 hours of Tamiflu before they can return to normal activities.

ENDS

World Health Organization update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_27/en/index.html

For further information, please contact Karalyn van Deursen (021) 832 459