Date Published: 27 April 2009
Mexican Swine Influenza - Update
Since the statements made by the Auckland Regional Public Health unit and the Minister of Health last night - reported here Mexican swine flu alert in New Zealand, the Ministry has been informed that a second member of the Rangitoto school party which travelled to Mexico (a teacher) has been admitted to hospital with flu symptoms. We will advise further details when they come to hand.
Another member of the Rangitoto party had been admitted over the weekend, but has now been discharged upon receiving treatment with antivirals. A total of two people have now been admitted to hospital. The remaining members of the party are being treated at home and remain in isolation.
All passengers arriving into New Zealand from the Americas are being screened and are receiving public health messages at Auckland Airport that they should contact a health professional if they are displaying flu-like symptoms. They are also completing passenger locator cards so they can easily be contacted if required. Medical staff are now on site at Auckland Airport and have been since flights began arriving early this morning.
Auckland Public Health officials have begun the process of contact tracing passengers who arrived on Air New Zealand flight NZ1 early on Saturday morning, along with several students from Rangitoto College. Members of the public who have travelled to Mexico or North America in the last fortnight should contact Healthline (0800 611 116) for information regarding the situation. They are also asked to seek medical advice if they are displaying flu-like symptoms.
A media conference will be held at 10am today, 27th April.
Source(s): http://www.moh.govt.nz