Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Ninety-nine | infonews.co.nz New Zealand News

The confirmed number of New Zealand deaths from Novel Influenza A is now five - up two from the three announced over the weekend.

Deputy-Director of Public Health Dr Fran McGrath says, "We are advised that the cause of death of a 46 year-old Blenheim man a week ago is yet to be determined, but it's likely that swine flu was a contributing factor. While he has tested positive for Novel Influenza A, he had pre-existing medical conditions."

"We are also aware of another death of a Christchurch man attributed to swine flu and announced by the Coroner's office today. He is believed to also have an underlying respiratory condition."

Dr McGrath says the Ministry extends its sympathy to their families.

"People who are at higher risk of more serious illness from influenza are those who have other significant health conditions. However, there is growing evidence that some previously healthy people can also develop a more serious illness.

"For most people who get influenza this winter, it will be a mild to moderate illness and they will recover at home without needing medical treatment."

Dr McGrath says for people whose flu symptoms get worse, the advice is for people to phone their GP or Healthline on 0800 611 116. Symptoms which may require further medical advice include difficulty breathing or chest pain, a high temperature, drowsiness, severe vomiting or a cough with blood or green phlegm. Further information about symptoms which require medical advice is also on our website: http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-care-advice

There can be some delays for people ringing Healthline - those people who have symptoms and need advice should continue to wait until their calls are answered. Many people spend considerable time waiting for advice in GP surgeries or Emergency Departments when staff are busy and for this service callers may also face delays of several minutes.

Weekly consultation rates for all influenza-like illness in New Zealand continue to increase and are already considerably higher than the peaks during the last two winters. This data from ESR's GP sentinel surveillance system shows that an increasing number of people are presenting with influenza type illnesses. It is worth noting that between 2003 and 2006 there have been on average 1000 people admitted to hospital each month (from June to October) with seasonal influenza and complications related to seasonal influenza.

Each winter around 400 people die from complications caused by normal seasonal influenza.

Latest Numbers

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is 1272 , up from 1195 yesterday. It's important to note that the actual number of cases of Novel influenza A (H1N1) will be significantly higher, as only a small proportion of people with symptoms are now being tested. This is because for most people it's a mild illness and they will recover readily at home without needing medical treatment.

The cumulative total of confirmed cases by region are:

Northland (39), Auckland (289), Waikato (54), Bay of Plenty/Lakes (34), Gisborne (3), Hawkes Bay (90), Taranaki (7), Wanganui/Palmerston North (29), Wellington (370), Nelson/Marlborough (29), Canterbury (308), Otago/Southland (20).

Probable cases of swine flu are no longer being reported.

Australian situation

As at noon on 7 July 2009, Australia has 6353 confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu. The total number of Australian deaths associated with swine flu is currently 13.

International Update from the World Health Organization

WHO figures, last updated on 6 July 2009, show there are 94,512 confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu internationally, including 429 deaths. For a breakdownof the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country click on the link below: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_07_06/en/index.html

ENDS

Information in this update can be attributed to Dr Fran McGrath, Deputy Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health.

For health information and advice: the public should call Healthline 0800 611 116

For latest updates on Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu: visit http://www.moh.govt.nz