Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Seventy-two

FIRST NZ CASES OF INFLUENZA A (H1N1) "SWINE FLU" NOT LINKED TO INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Follow-up of two confirmed cases by Public Health Services in Wellington has not identified a link to travel or contact with travellers. For another three cases a link to travel is under investigation.

This is an early indication that there may be some community transmission of Influenza A (H1N1) "Swine Flu" in the Wellington region, although at this stage it may be localised and limited.

These cases presented to their local GP and emergency department, and contact tracing by public health staff has not found any link to travellers returning from overseas or another confirmed case.

These are the first confirmed cases reported in New Zealand that have not been directly linked to travellers infected overseas with H1N1, swine flu. The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised that swine flu is of "moderate" severity for most people.

Minister of Health, Tony Ryall, said the situation was changing rapidly and the health sector's response would be altered as the situation evolved. "At this time the Ministry of Health and public health services are continuing to focus on containing the spread of the virus. This includes activities at the borders to identify, isolate and treat any suspected cases. It's possible that we will see an exponential rise in case numbers in the days ahead, as we've seen in other countries," Mr Ryall said.

Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Darren Hunt said plans for enhanced surveillance through GP clinics continue to be progressed. This will see more GPs swabbing a sample of patients each week for influenza.

"At some stage we will see areas with sustained community transmission, at which point there will be an increased emphasis on managing and reducing the impacts on our communities.

"Community transmission is the first indication of what is likely to be much wider spread within New Zealand at some point, given that this is a new virus with no immunity in the population.

"When we see wider community spread, and an increased number of cases it won't be possible to swab and test everyone. When that happens local health authorities will focus messages on the general public, not just recently-returned travellers. People need to continue to think about how they can look after themselves at home if they get sick," Dr Hunt said.

The Ministry of Health will have updated figures and case numbers this afternoon.