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

The number of confirmed and probable cases reported to the Ministry of Health as at 3:00pm today are:
Five confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) – no change since this morning’s update.

14 probable cases – this is down one since this morning’s update as one person’s H1N1 test returned negative.

As at 3:00pm today, the number of suspected cases and people in isolation and being treated, as advised to the Ministry of Health are:
84 suspected cases – (This is up from 79 this morning)
The latest figures show 358 people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu. These are people who have flu-like symptoms within seven days of having been in an area of concern or are close contacts of cases.

The Ministry of Health acknowledges that having your travel plans disrupted by being placed in isolation and asked to stay put until you are no longer infectious (either because test results rule out Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu, or you have completed 72 hours of Tamiflu) is inconvenient.

“Public health staff are working to make sure people are well informed and as comfortable as possible while in isolation,” Dr McGrath said.

Dr McGrath said this was necessary to limit any spread of virus. “So far we’ve been successful in stopping the virus spreading in the community and this is largely due to people being understanding and cooperating,” Dr McGrath said. “I recognise that it’s a major disruption for people who have just arrived in New Zealand from an affected country to start their holiday and end up with an extended stay in Auckland, not able to leave the premises.”

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.

International Update from the World Health Organization
5 May 2009 -- As of 16:00 GMT, 5 May 2009, 21 countries have officially reported 1490 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 822 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 29 deaths. The United States has reported 403 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (140), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Colombia (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (4), Germany (9), Ireland (1), Israel (4), Italy (5), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (6), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (2), Spain (57), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (27).

The WHO website advises 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.

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 travel in affected areas or are close contacts of cases. New Zealand is in the containment phase. This is a credit to the health sector and all the agencies working together and importantly, to the many hundreds of New Zealanders who have willingly cooperated with health advice in order to help limit the spread to anyone else.

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.

Please attribute these comments to Dr Fran McGrath, Deputy Director of Public Health