Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update 11.30am

As of 18:00 GMT, 4 May 2009, 21 countries have officially reported 1085 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 590 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths. The United States has reported 286 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (101), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Colombia (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (4), Germany (8), Ireland (1), Israel (4), Italy (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (6), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (54), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (18).

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, in line with guidance from national authorities. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. There is no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.

Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis. www.who.int

New Zealand situation – Updated numbers
The provisional number of confirmed and suspected cases reported to the Ministry of Health as at 11:00am today are:
6 confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) (no change from 5:30pm last night)
14 probable cases - Samples from another three probable cases have been received today for testing by ESR. In addition, there are the eleven probable cases reported previously. Most of these (10) are from the Rangitoto College group who have now been treated and completed isolation. A further Auckland case has been treated and completed isolation.
Note: These figures are provisional and will be confirmed and updated again at 3:00pm today.

There is no update available for suspected cases and people in isolation and being treated, however, as at 12:00pm yesterday, Monday 4 May there were:
69 suspected cases
335 people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu. These are people who have developed symptoms of influenza within seven days of having been in the areas of concern or are close contacts of cases and have flu-like symptoms.

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

Screening at international airports
We continue to screen international travellers from countries of concern at the border. Where passengers show symptoms they and their close contacts are medically assessed, treated and cared for in isolaton.

This is an ongoing process. There are early reports of some travellers screened today with symptoms. More details are expected later today.

In summary
New Zealand is in the containment phase. There is no evidence of community transmission – that means that to date, all of the case have recently returned from travelling to affected areas or are close contacts of cases.

Internationally, there has been an increase in the number of cases and countries affected. The WHO is advising continued vigilance. “While we can be pleased at the excellent response from the health sector and New Zealanders, we need to maintain our emphasis on limiting the spread,” Dr McGrath said.

ENDS

For further information, please call 0274 346 878