Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Thirty-Six

New Zealand situation - Updated numbers

The number of confirmed and probable cases reported to the Ministry of Health as at 3:00pm today are:
Seven confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) - unchanged since Saturday 9 May.
* It's important to note that these seven cases contracted the virus while travelling in affected countries overseas. They experienced a mild illness and have since made a full recovery and are back to their usual daily activities. All were treated with the anti-viral medication, Tamiflu, and were in isolation until they were no longer infectious. There is no evidence of community transmission of the virus.
12 probable cases - unchanged since Saturday 9 May.
50 suspected cases - (down 18 since this morning)
Numbers of suspected cases fluctuate as more people with symptoms arrive from affected areas are assessed (treated and isolated), and as laboratory testing rules out some suspected cases.

Numbers of people in isolation vary according to when they complete 72 hours of the five day course of Tamiflu. Public Health Units report the numbers of people currently in isolation is continuing to decrease. Exact numbers are unavailable at this time, however, it is estimated to be fewer than 70 cases.

"The fact that the number of confirmed and probable cases have remained stable suggests that our border control and containment measures are proving effective, and I would like to thank all the public health staff, and staff working at the airports who are working around the clock to provide health screening services; advice to travellers; contact tracing and treating suspected cases in the community. There's a huge team working tirelessly around the country to limit the spread of this virus," Dr McGrath said.

International Update from the World Health Organization

As of 06:00 GMT, 11 May 2009, 30 countries have officially reported 4694 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection - up 315 since yesterday.

Mexico has reported 1626 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 48 deaths. The United States has reported 2532 laboratory confirmed human cases, including three deaths. Canada has reported 284 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Costa Rica has reported eight laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Argentina (1), Australia (1), Austria (1), Brazil (8), China (2, comprising 1 in China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and 1 in mainland China), Colombia (3), Denmark (1), El Salvador (4), France (13), Germany (11), Guatemala (1), Ireland (1), Israel (7), Italy (9), Japan (4), Netherlands (3), New Zealand (7), Norway (2), Panama (15), Poland (1), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (95), Sweden (2), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (47).

WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A (H1N1) virus.

The WHO recommends that individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travelers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases, including influenza.

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

This information can be attributed to Dr Fran McGrath, Deputy Director of Public Health