Date Published: 27 May 2009

Update on Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu in New Zealand

Case numbers in New Zealand remain stable and we are maintaining our vigilance. Given the continuing increase in the number of overseas cases being notified to the World Health Organisation, we also plan to strengthen messages to travelers coming into New Zealand.

Screening of international flights, which began at the start of the international outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) swine flu virus, continues as part of New Zealand's efforts to contain the virus and delay any spread into the community.

There remains no evidence of community spread of the virus in New Zealand. All of New Zealand's cases had recently returned from travel in affected areas or were close contacts of cases. But as more countries report cases and more see local spread of the virus, it will become increasingly difficult to keep influenza A (H1N1) out of New Zealand.

Anyone who has recently travelled overseas and is ill with influenza symptoms should phone their GP or call Healthline.

New Zealand situation

There are no new cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infection in New Zealand. The cumulative total of known past infections remains at nine, with all cases fully recovered. The cumulative total of probable cases is 11, up from 10 yesterday.

The new probable case is a person who arrived from Canada and had flu symptoms upon arrival at Auckland Airport. This overseas passenger is now in isolation and being treated with Tamiflu.
There are currently 26 suspected cases (up from 25 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.

Exact numbers of people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu will be provided in the next update (there were 10 reported yesterday). 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, 26 May 2009, 46 countries have officially reported 12,954 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 92 deaths.

News is included on the IvyRose website to inform visitors about current health issues, but not to endorse any particular view or activity. Any views expressed iin the article above are not necessarily those of IvyRose Ltd.. Material in this news item was released by the New Zealand based source listed below on 27 May 2009 and may have been edited (e.g. in style, length, and/or for ease of understanding by our international readers) for inclusion here. For further information, please visit their website.