Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Twenty-four

Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Twenty-four
Please attribute these comments to Dr Fran McGrath, Deputy Director of Public Health

New Zealand situation – Updated numbers

The number of confirmed and probable cases reported to the Ministry of Health as at 3:30pm today are:
six confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) (no change from 6:15pm last night)
15 probable cases - there has been a net increase of one to 15 probable cases, as there have been three new probable cases since Update 23 (11:30am today) and two previously probable cases have had further, more sensitive testing and shown to be seasonal influenza, not Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu.
As at 3:30pm today, as advised to the Ministry of Health, the number of suspected cases and people in isolation and being treated are:
92 suspected cases
309 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.

Numbers of suspected cases, and those receiving treatment and in isolation, will fluctuate when more suspected cases are found, or suspected cases are ruled out.

Screening at international airports
We continue to screen international travellers from countries of concern upon arrival at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown airports. Where passengers report symptoms they and their close contacts are medically assessed, treated and cared for in isolation.

A group of six passengers who arrived at Auckland on flight QF26 from Los Angeles this morning have been assessed as suspected cases. They and their 16 close contacts are being treated in isolation in Auckland.

By Thursday evening, passengers on all international flights arriving in New Zealand will be asked to fill in a passenger locator forms. The forms are used by public health staff to trace contacts if required.

International Update from the World Health Organization
4 May 2009 -- 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).

The WHO website advises it is 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.

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

Internationally, there has been an increase in the number of cases and countries affected. The WHO is advising continued vigilance.

“We are continuing to maintain our emphasis on limiting the spread,” Dr McGrath said.