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

While the case numbers in New Zealand remain stable, the National Health Coordination Centre (NHCC) is supporting the health sector and wider government agencies to prepare well in case the situation worsens.

The Ministry of Health has written to all District Health Board Chief Executives and heads of government agencies, telling them why we need to remain vigilant and advising them to be well-prepared.

What happens here – and our level of response – is assessed regularly taking into account cases in other countries, the picture in New Zealand and changes to the virus. We are keeping a close eye on the situation overseas, where the number of cases being notified continues to increase.

New Zealand situation

There are no new cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infections in New Zealand. The cumulative total of known past infections remains at nine, with all cases fully recovered. The cumulative total of past probable cases remains at 10, with all cases fully recovered.

There are currently 21 suspected cases – (down from 38 yesterday)

The numbers of suspected cases fluctuate as more people with symptoms arriving from affected areas are assessed (treated and isolated), and as laboratory testing rules out some suspected cases.

The number of people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu is 12. The numbers of people in isolation vary according to when they complete 72 hours of the five-day course of Tamiflu.

International Update from the World Health Organisation

As of 06:00 GMT, 19 May 2009, 40 countries have officially reported 9830 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection. Mexico has reported 3648 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 72 deaths. The United States has reported 5123 laboratory confirmed human cases, including five deaths. Canada has 496 confirmed human, including one death. Costa Rica has nine confirmed human cases, including one death. The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Argentina (1), Australia (1), Austria (1), Belgium (5), Brazil (8), Chile (4), China (7), Colombia (11), Cuba (3), Denmark (1), Ecuador (1), El Salvador (6), Finland (2), France (14), Germany (14), Guatemala (3), India (1), Ireland (1), Israel (7), Italy (9), Japan (159), Malaysia (2), Netherlands (3), New Zealand (9), Norway (2), Panama (59), Peru (2), Poland (1), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (103), Sweden (3), Switzerland (1), Thailand (2), Turkey (2), and the United Kingdom (102).

The 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 travellers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases, including influenza.

Regular updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak are available on the WHO website on a regular basis (www.who.int).

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