Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update 114

Director of Public Health Dr Mark Jacobs today said the swine flu pandemic is still likely to be in its early days and continued vigilance was important.

“Worldwide, the pandemic is still of mild to moderate severity. However, the threat from this new virus is real and something we are likely to have to face for some time yet,” Dr Jacobs said. "We are continually learning more about it."

“Like seasonal influenza, the pandemic virus is transmitted easily by exposure to infected droplets from coughing or sneezing. Most people have little or no immunity to this new virus, and we expect it will cause more infections than are seen with seasonal flu.”

“It is likely that by the end of the pandemic, many New Zealanders will have caught it at some point. The disease continues to be mild to moderate for the vast majority of New Zealanders infected, though some people are experiencing more severe illness,” according to Dr Jacobs.

“Most of the severe cases occur in people with significant underlying health conditions. Pregnant women also appear to be at higher risk for complications."

Dr Jacobs said health services were coping well despite the increasing number of cases putting pressure on GPs and hospitals.

There have now been 11 deaths in New Zealand linked to the pandemic. All who have died had underlying health conditions. Seventy-one people are currently in hospital after contracting the virus, with 24 of those in intensive care.

Latest numbers
New Zealand now has 2525 laboratory-confirmed cases, up 48 from 2477 yesterday.

The level of illness is likely to be much higher than the number of laboratory-confirmed cases reported daily. Testing is now done only in the management of severe cases. Also, many people with swine flu are able to look after themselves at home and do not need to see their GP

ENDS

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

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