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Media Release

5.00pm, 9 June 2009



Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Sixty-six

Joint media statement

MINISTRY OF HEALTH & WELLINGTON REGIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH

Staff from Wellington's Regional Public Health unit are busy tracing close contacts of the three Wellington people confirmed as having Influenza A (H1N1) ?swine flu? this week.

The first case, notified on Monday, is a passenger off Air NZ flight NZ124 which arrived from Melbourne on 5 June 2009. The family, close contacts and passengers sitting in the two rows in front of and the two rows behind the case as well as the row the case was sitting in are being contacted. The case is in isolation at home and is being treated with Tamiflu.

Two further confirmed cases were reported by Wellington's Regional Public Health overnight, both cases arrived in New Zealand on 31 May from Los Angeles on flight NZ5. They became unwell after travelling together. Swabs were taken on Sunday 7 June. Both cases and their close contacts are being treated with Tamiflu and asked to stay at home in isolation. As symptoms did not appear until 4-5 days after arrival the pair are unlikely to have been infectious onboard NZ5 and passengers are not being traced.

These two most recent cases involve both family and workplace contacts. In one workplace, eleven of the case's colleagues have been medically assessed, with one person who has symptoms being treated as a suspect case and swabbed. All of the staff in the workplace have been sent home with Tamiflu and given information on signs and symptoms of influenza and what to do if they become unwell.

The second Wellington case notified today works in an open plan office, where staff work in "pods" of four desks. Staff working in the five pods closest to the case, along with some other staff are being assessed by public health staff this afternoon. All have been offered Tamiflu and asked to stay in isolation at home, and anyone with symptoms has been swabbed.

A total of 29 staff who work in close contact with the case have been given Tamiflu and are in home isolation for 72 hours. All other staff have been given health information and advised what to do if they develop symptoms.

People who have recently returned from overseas and have influenza symptoms, or are a close contact of a confirmed case should phone for advice before visiting a doctor's surgery or medical centre. Healthline 0800 611 116 has registered nurses taking calls, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Practical information on what workplaces can do to prepare for a pandemic is available on the Department of Labour website www.dol.govt.nz

ENDS

Please attribute these comments to:
Dr Stephen Palmer, Medical Officer of Health, Regional Public Health or
Dr Mark Jacobs, Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health



For more information, please call:
Ministry of Health National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk
+64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (021) 243 6805








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Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

Media Release
2.30pm, 10 June 2009

Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Sixty-seven

New Zealand situation
Doctors are reporting an increase in the number of people presenting at surgeries with influenza symptoms.

In the main, these are people who have not travelled overseas and are likely to be experiencing the usual symptoms of winter coughs, colds and seasonal influenza.
However it is important to remind people who have recently travelled overseas and who develop flu-like symptoms within seven days of returning, not to present to the doctors surgery or hospital emergency department in the first instance. Instead these people should phone their doctor or Healthline for medical advice. Turning up unannounced at a GP's surgery or hospital risks spreading the virus. Anyone unsure about symptoms and what to do should phone Healthline 0800 611 116.

The influenza virus spreads very easily ? via droplets in the air when a person coughs or sneezes and doesn?t cover it up. The germs can live on hard surfaces for 48 hours.

Updated figures
The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is now 23 up from 19 yesterday. Of the confirmed cases, 8 are still in isolation (Wellington 6, Auckland 1 and Canterbury 1). The rest of the confirmed cases are out of isolation and have recovered. The geographic locations of confirmed cases now include Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hawke's Bay.

There are three new confirmed cases in Wellington and one in Canterbury.

The Canterbury case is a woman who was a passenger on flight LAN801, which arrived in Auckland from Chile on 4 June. The woman is in isolation and is being treated with Tamiflu.

Passengers sitting in the two rows in front of and the two rows behind the case as well as the row the case was sitting in are being contacted.

Two of the three new cases are close contacts of two Wellington people confirmed as positive for Influenza A (H1N1) yesterday. They had travelled together and arrived in New Zealand on 31 May from Los Angeles. Both cases and their close contacts are being treated with Tamiflu and asked to stay at home in isolation.

The cumulative total of probable cases is 10, down one from yesterday.

There are currently 103 suspected cases. 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.

There are 92 people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu. This is down from 161 yesterday (Tuesday June 9 June 2009). The numbers of people in isolation vary according to when they complete 72 hours of the five-day course of Tamiflu.

After today, suspected cases and numbers of people in isolation will no longer be reported. Fewer reporting requirements on public health services helps to relieve administrative pressure and allows them to focus on the increasing number of calls on their services in response to H1N1 cases.

Gisborne Boys High School
The number of suspected cases of Influenza A (H1N1) in a group of Gisborne Boys' High school students who returned on Sunday from a school trip to Brisbane has risen to 12.

The group of 19 includes 16 students, two teachers and one parent. All members of the group have been asked to remain at home in isolation until Friday.

Public health staff have taken swabs from the group and those with symptoms of influenza have been given Tamiflu. Results of the swabs are expected later today.

Tairawhiti DHB Medical Officer of Health, Dr Geoff Cramp, said it was originally thought only five from the group - two teachers, and one parent - had mild flu-like symptoms. However yesterday seven others from the group showed symptoms of a mild viral illness.

Papatoetoe Child Care Centre
Children and staff at Tama Ale Eleele A?oga Amata will complete the five-day quarantine period today,and with no further reports of illness, the centre is expected to re-open tomorrow. Dr Julia Peters, professional and clinical director at Auckland Regional Public Health Service thanked the centre management, staff, parents and community for their willing and full cooperation.

All test results received for the child care centre have been negative apart from the first case confirmed for Influenza A (H1N1) on Friday 5 June. The child had travelled back to New Zealand from Australia on 26 May 2009.

How to protect yourself and others
Anyone who has recently travelled overseas and is ill with influenza symptoms is advised to phone their GP or Healthline (0800 611 116) for medical advice. Do not turn up at a hospital or medical centre before doing this as you can spread germs to other people.

Signs and symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhea and vomiting.

Hand hygiene is still the single most effective measure in protecting yourself. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.

Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.

Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette. This means covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and disposing of the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid or plastic bag.

Sick people should stay home until they are well, rather than going to school or work. Try to avoid contact with sick people and reduce time spent in crowded settings. If you become sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep you from infecting others.

International Update from the World Health Organization
Currently the WHO updates its website every two days with new figures for confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1).

As of 06:00 GMT, 8 June 2009, 73 countries had officially reported 25,288 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 139 deaths.

As at 6am on 10 June, Australia had reported 1224 cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infection. (Note: these figures are higher than those reported on the WHO website because the information is more up to date)

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given in the following table and map at this URL:

http://www.who.int/csr/don/Map_20090608_0800.png

Updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak are available on the WHO website on a regular basis (http://www.who.int).


This information can be attributed to Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Chief Advisor Public Health.


For more information, please call:
Ministry of Health National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk
+64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (021) 243 6805

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Media Release
10 June 2009
Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Sixty-eight

If you think you may have influenza A (H1N1) ?Swine Flu? stay put ? dial a doctor or Healthline?don?t just turn up at a medical centre or hospital

Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Jacobs says it?s important that people who think they may have influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu, stay put and phone for medical advice first.

?When someone turns up to see their GP without phoning first, and is infectious with influenza A (H1N1) there?s potential for the virus to spread to others in the waiting room,? Dr Jacobs said.

There are two groups of people who need to heed this advice:

1. People who have returned from overseas (in the past seven days) and become unwell with influenza symptoms
2. People who are close contacts of a confirmed case of influenza A (H1N1) and develop influenza symptoms. (This can include family, or people who live in the same household, workmates, friends and other people ?a case? had close contact with while they were infectious.)

?This week we have had to isolate members of the public who were in a waiting room, along with staff from medical centres who came into close contact with a person who is now a confirmed case,? Dr Jacobs said.

The influenza virus spreads very easily ? via droplets in the air when a person coughs or sneezes and doesn?t cover it up. The germs can live on hard surfaces for 48 hours.

?Our advice is to cover up your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Put it in a bin straight away. If you don?t have a tissue handy, bend your arm and sneeze into your elbow to stop germs spreading through the air. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly, particularly after coughing or sneezing. It?s also important to stay away from sick people?and if you?re sick, stay at home.

?The most important thing for people to remember is if they believe they may have Influenza A (H1N1) to phone first ? dial a doctor! Don?t just turn up at a doctor?s surgery or hospital. If you?re unsure about your symptoms or what to do?phone Healthline 0800 611 116 for free advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week,? Dr Jacobs said.

Symptoms of Influenza
Symptoms can include fever and chills, a cough, sore throat, body aches and pains, headache, extreme tiredness, and a sore chest. Some people may also suffer vomiting and diarrhoea.

ENDS



For more information, please call:
Ministry of Health National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk
+64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (021) 243 6805




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[Sally Furniss]

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

Media Release

2.00pm, 11 June 2009



Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Sixty-nine

New Zealand situation

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is now 27, up from 23 yesterday. The cumulative total of probable cases remains at 10.

Of the confirmed cases, 10 are still in isolation at home while they are being treated with Tamiflu. The rest of the confirmed cases and all probable cases have been treated and have fully recovered.

Two of the new confirmed cases were reported in Waikato. One is a factory worker whose travel history or link to someone who has traveled recently has yet to be confirmed. The second case is a New Zealander who arrived from Melbourne on 5 June.

Auckland cases

The two other new confirmed cases are an Auckland nurse and her child who returned from a family holiday in the United Kingdom on Air NZ flight NZ1 on 6 June. The nurse worked one shift at Auckland City Hospital?s Renal Medicine and Transplant Ward (Ward 71) on 8 June and the child attended ABC Childcare Centre in Meadowbank the same day. The contacts of both cases are currently being contact-traced.

Dr David Sage, chief medical officer at Auckland City Hospital, said the nurse did not have flu symptoms when she was at work on 8 June. However, her child began to show flu-like symptoms that day and immediate medical treatment was sought. The nurse returned home after completing her shift. The family voluntarily isolated themselves at home while awaiting the test results for their child at which time the nurse began exhibiting flu symptoms. Last night, both swabs returned positive results for Influenza A (H1N1).

Dr Sage said staff at Auckland City Hospital acted swiftly to identify, isolate and treat all those potentially affected as soon as the alert was raised. This includes staff, patients and visitors who were on Ward 71 at Auckland City Hospital on 8 June.

"At this time, none of these people are showing flu-like symptoms," he said. "I would like to commend all the staff who worked tirelessly last night and this morning to help us contain the potential spread of this virus," Dr Sage said.

Ward 71 remains open but is closed to new admissions and has strict infection-control procedures in place. Five patients are being cared for in isolation and there is a limit on visitors to patients and the number of staff working in the ward has been reduced.

The ABC Childcare Centre has closed temporarily and will likely remain so until 16 June. The childcare centre?s staff are currently working with Auckland Regional Public Health (ARPH) staff to identify children who were at the centre on 8 June. ARPH's clinical director Dr Julia Peters said staff were working closely with the childcare centre. The 29 children enrolled at the Centre and seven staff are being offered Tamiflu and are in isolation at home. Dr Peters expressed thanks to the staff and parents of the centre for their cooperation to date.

Passengers off flight NZ1 will not be contact-traced as the child did not develop symptoms until 48 hours after arriving home in New Zealand, and would not have been infectious while on the flight.

The Ministry of Health's chief advisor on public health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, said as more people tested positive for influenza A (H1N1) "swine flu" there would be more instances where workplaces, schools, and child care centres would be affected.

"People have been highly cooperative to date. This has undoubtedly contributed to New Zealand's relatively low number of confirmed cases.

"As has been demonstrated this week, each case can have a large number of contacts, and already, this virus is causing significant disruption to the regular routines and lives of those affected.

"Our assessment is that our actions to "keep it out" and "stamp it out" are still appropriate and worthwhile. There are real benefits to delaying widespread community transmission of the virus for as long as possible," Dr Bloomfield said.

In summary:

• Five patients in Ward 71 are being treated in isolation. Access to the ward is restricted.
• Two former patients who had been cared for by the nurse during the 12-hour shift on 8 June have been visited by medical staff and care plans are in place.
• 19 ADHB staff who were in close contact with the nurse are also at home in quarantine and taking Tamiflu.
• Importantly, none of the close contacts have flu symptoms at present.
• 29 children and seven staff from the ABC Childcare Centre are being given Tamiflu and isolated at home.

Gisborne Boys High School

All the swab results for the Gisborne Boys High School students are negative for Influenza A (H1N1). Medical Officer of Health Dr Geoff Cramp said the 16 students, two teachers and one parent who were previously classified as suspected cases are now free to return to work or school if they are well.

The group of 19 had been asked to remain in isolation at home as a precautionary measure. The students were part of a group who returned on 7 June from a class trip to Brisbane.

Dr Cramp said the other students, the community and those who have had contact with the students can be reassured that there is no risk of catching the Influenza A (H1N1) virus.

How to protect yourself and others

Anyone who has recently travelled overseas and is ill with influenza symptoms is advised to phone their GP or Healthline (0800 611 116) for medical advice. Do not turn up at a hospital or medical centre before doing this as you can spread germs to other people.

Signs and symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhea and vomiting.

Hand hygiene is still the single most effective measure in protecting yourself. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.

Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.

Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette. This means covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and disposing of the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid or plastic bag.

Sick people should stay home until they are well, rather than going to school or work. Try to avoid contact with sick people and reduce time spent in crowded settings. If you become sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep you from infecting others.

International Update from the World Health Organization

As of 06:00 GMT, 10 June 2009, 74 countries have officially reported 27,737 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 141 deaths. WHO remains in pandemic influenza Phase 5 but continues to monitor the situation closely in all countries reporting cases of new influenza A (H1N1).

As at 5am today, Australia reported 1263 cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infection.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given in the following table and map. (http://www.who.int/csr/don/Map_20090610_0800.png)
Updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak are available on the WHO website on a regular basis (http://www.who.int).


This information can be attributed to Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Chief Advisor, Public Health.


For more information, please call:
Ministry of Health National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk
+64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (021) 243 6805

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Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

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Media Release

11.00am, 12 June 2009

Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Seventy

The World Health Organisation has declared the influenza H1N1 Swine Flu outbreak as a Pandemic and moved to a Phase 6 alert which recognises widespread community transmission of the virus around the world.

Phase 6 means that WHO considers that a global pandemic is underway ? it means nothing about the severity of the illness or this strain of influenza, rather it relates to how quickly and how wide the virus is spreading.

New Zealand has a comprehensive Influenza Pandemic Action Plan and has been planning and preparing since ANZAC weekend (25 April) when the first suspected cases were identified in New Zealand. The escalation by the WHO means our level of alert will also increase, but in practical terms, people will see little immediate change in our response.

The focus and response of New Zealand Health services will be governed by events here, not overseas. On the evidence we have so far, all confirmed NZ cases are travel related or close contacts of travellers ? there is no evidence of community spread.

At the moment we are continuing our containment efforts, as every week we buy is important for delaying the peak of infection out past winter when hospitals are under most pressure, and giving families, schools and businesses a chance to prepare.

The way the virus has spread in Australia is what we?re likely to see here ? the numbers will increase and at some stage we will have community spread.

At that point we will increase our emphasis on managing cases in the community and treat it like all flu ? the difference is that many more people will be affected because the population is not immune to this new virus. While swine flu has been relatively mild so far, it will be serious for some.

The Ministry of Health advice is that people who have travelled overseas but who are well on their return or arrival do not need to be routinely excluded from school or work on their return.

At this time, the Ministry of Health is not recommending cancelling or postponing overseas travel during the upcoming school holidays which start on Saturday 4 July.

The situation in both New Zealand and internationally is being constantly reviewed, but it is not possible to predict what the situation will be in New Zealand or other countries in early July.

To protect yourself and others


Anyone who has recently travelled overseas and is ill with influenza symptoms is advised to phone their GP or Healthline (0800 611 116) for medical advice. Do not turn up at a hospital or medical centre before doing this as you can spread germs to other people.

Signs and symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhoea and vomiting.

Hand hygiene is still the single most effective measure in protecting yourself. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.

Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.

Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette. This means covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and disposing of the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid or plastic bag.

Sick people should stay home until they are well, rather than going to school or work. Try to avoid contact with sick people and reduce time spent in crowded settings. If you become sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep you from infecting others.



This information can be attributed to Dr Darren Hunt, Deputy Director Public Health



For more information, please call:
Ministry of Health National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk
+64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (021) 243 6805








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[Sally Furniss]

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

NZ pandemic plan

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/nz-influenza-pandemic-action-plan-2006

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Media Release

2.30pm, 12 June 2009



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

New Zealand situation

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is now 34, up from 27 yesterday. The cumulative total of probable cases is 25, up from 10 yesterday.
There are seven new confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) today.

They are:

• A 73-year-old woman from the mid-central region.
• A 13-year-old Auckland girl, who has been admitted to Starship Children's Hospital with respiratory symptoms.The child is being nursed in strict isolation, with all appropriate infection control procedures in place. Staff who came into contact with the child have been given prophylactic Tamiflu. Staff are continuing to work with appropriate protection (such as wearing a surgical mask) to maintain this essential service.
• A 20-year-old woman, a 22-year-old man and an 8 month-old boy, all from the same Wellington address.
• A further 22-year-old Wellington man.
• A 26-year-old Wellington woman.

All the new cases have mild symptoms and with the exception of the Auckland girl, are being treated at home with Tamiflu. Close contacts of the new confirmed cases are being traced and will be treated withTamiflu and asked to stay in isolation at home.

Media briefing on Auckland Cases

A media briefing will be held at 3:00pm today, to update media on the Auckland cases.

Clinical Education Centre
Level 5
Auckland City Hospital

Dr Julia Peters, Clinical Director of Auckland Regional Public Health. Dr David Sage, Chief Medical Officer, Auckland City Hospital and Dr Richard Aickin, Clinical Director Starship Emergency Department will be in attendance. Dr Darren Hunt, Deputy Director, Public Health, Ministry of Health, will be on the teleconference.

To listen live to the press conference:

Dial: 0800 115 762, then type in the PIN: 804698 #

For further information please contact:
Julia Lang, ADHB communications 021 804 122
Paula Martin, Norther Region Health Coordination Centre 021 243 0615

How to protect yourself and others

Anyone who has recently travelled overseas and is ill with influenza symptoms is advised to phone their GP or Healthline (0800 611 116) for medical advice. Do not turn up at a hospital or medical centre before doing this as you can spread germs to other people.

Signs and symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhea and vomiting.

Hand hygiene is still the single most effective measure in protecting yourself. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.

Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.

Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette. This means covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and disposing of the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid or plastic bag.

Sick people should stay home until they are well, rather than going to school or work. Try to avoid contact with sick people and reduce time spent in crowded settings. If you become sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep you from infecting others.

International Update from the World Health Organization

WHO has announced a pandemic phase 6 ? the highest phase - which means there is global spread of the virus, but it does not mean the disease is severe.

As of 06:00 GMT, 11 June 2009, 74 countries have officially reported 28,774 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 144 deaths.

As at 6am today, Australia reported 1307 cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infection.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given in the following table and map. (http://www.who.int/csr/don/Map_20090610_0800.png)
Updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak are available on the WHO website on a regular basis (http://www.who.int).

Points to note

• For New Zealand, we continue steady as we go. New Zealand remains in the "keep it out and stamp it out" phase. Our interventions have been successful to date in containing and slowing the spread of the virus. We are entering the winter flu season where hospital Emergency Departments and GP clinics traditionally see greater numbers of people. Every week we slow the community spread of swine flu delays over burdening health services.
• Our current focus remains on limiting the spread of the virus from infected travellers. Anyone who has travelled overseas in the last seven days and now has flu like symptoms should stay at home and seek medical advice by phone in the first instance. They should tell their doctor of their travel history.
• If you have flu like symptoms, but have not travelled overseas in the past seven days (and have not been in close contact with someone who has), it is most likely you have seasonal influenza. Seek medical advice by phone in the first instance.
• The key message for the public is that if you are sick, stay home. Individuals with flu like symptoms should look after themselves at home, but should seek medical advice if necessary (by phone in the first instance).
• The importance of the ?stay home if you are sick? message is that no one has immunity to this disease. Unlike with seasonal influenza, where some individuals are protected through vaccination or immunity from previous exposure, Influenza A (H1N1) is a new virus and the vast majority of people are expected to have no natural protection against it.

This information can be attributed to Dr Darren Hunt, Deputy Director of Public Health.




For more information, please call:
Ministry of Health National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk
+64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (021) 243 6805


For specific health advice the public should call Healthline 0800 611 116








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Media Release

4.00pm, 13 June 2009



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

New Zealand situation

Cases of the new influenza A (H1N1) swine flu virus arising in the community have been anticipated and have come as no surprise to the team leading New Zealand's response to the pandemic. We've seen widespread community transmission in many countries overseas, particularly in Victoria, Australia where there are now over a thousand cases in one state. In New Zealand we are still very much in "containment" phase, and the public can have confidence that staff working across the health sector are pulling out all the stops to delay its spread.

The handful of cases in Wellington with no apparent link to international travel are being managed in the community by public health staff. As with most of the other cases, these people are being cared for at home and recovering well. For most people with symptoms, the severity of the illness is no worse than the usual winter flu that circulates at this time of the year.

In most cases, people with influenza can safely recover at home and will not need to see their GP or emergency clinic. However, people should seek medical advice when necessary, especially if their condition worsens. Seeking medical advice is particularly important for people with underlying medical problems who are at higher risk of complications from influenza.

If you have recently travelled and develop influenza symptoms, it is still important that you phone for medical advice - Healthline 0800 611 116 or your own GP. Don't turn up at the doctor's rooms or emergency department, as you can spread the virus to other people.

The Ministry of Health will be advising GPs, medical centres and emergency departments in the Wellington region to be prepared to see additional cases.

The numbers

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is now 43, up from 34 yesterday. The cumulative total of probable cases is 18, down from 25 yesterday.

There are nine new confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) today.

There are five in Wellington, two in Christchurch, one in Auckland and one in Waikato. Further details about these cases are not available at this time. The majority are linked to international travel or previously confirmed cases, with some still under investigation.

All the new cases are being treated at home with Tamiflu. Close contacts of the new confirmed cases are being traced and will be treated with Tamiflu and asked to stay in isolation at home.

Reflecting the fact that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global pandemic, the Ministry of Health has moved its pandemic response status to Phase 6 - 6.2 Code Yellow. Phase 6 in our plan is defined by having increased and substantial transmission overseas.

The New Zealand Influenza Pandemic Action Plan can be accessed at:: http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/nz-influenza-pandemic-action-plan-2006

Update from Auckland

Three of the patients from the renal ward at Auckland City Hospital (Ward 71) have been discharged today. They will receive appropriate follow up care. The ward remains closed for admissions, with restricted access for visitors, and patients continue to be monitored.

One of the two children admitted to Auckland's Starship Hospital with respiratory illness has been discharged, and will complete the course of Tamiflu at home. The other child remains in a stable condition, and continues to be monitored and treated accordingly.

How to protect yourself and others

Anyone who has recently travelled overseas and is ill with influenza symptoms is advised to phone their GP or Healthline (0800 611 116) for medical advice. Do not turn up at a hospital or medical centre before doing this as you can spread germs to other people.

Signs and symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhea and vomiting.

Hand hygiene is still the single most effective measure in protecting yourself. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.

Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.

Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette. This means covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and disposing of the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid or plastic bag.

Sick people should stay home until they are well, rather than going to school or work. Try to avoid contact with sick people and reduce time spent in crowded settings. If you become sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep you from infecting others. You should seek medical advice if necessary (by phone in the first instance) if your condition worsens. This is particularly important for people with underlying medical conditions who are at greater risk of developing complications from influenza.

International Update from the World Health Organization

Yesterday WHO announced a pandemic phase 6 ? the highest phase - which means there is global spread of the virus, but it does not mean the disease is severe.
12 June 2009 -- As of 07:00 GMT, 12 June 2009, 74 countries have officially reported 29,669 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 145 deaths.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given in the following table and map.
Map of the spread of Influenza A(H1N1): number of laboratory confirmed cases and deaths [png 203kb]

As at 6pm on 12 June, the number of confirmed cases in Australia was 1391, with 1011 of these cases in Victoria.

Updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak are available on the WHO website on a regular basis (http://www.who.int).

Information for the public

• Because this is a new virus, no one has immunity to this disease. Unlike seasonal influenza, where some individuals are protected through vaccination or immunity from previous exposure, Influenza A (H1N1) is a new virus and the vast majority of people are expected to have no natural protection against it.
• Be prepared - This is the time for people to make sure they?re prepared to be self-sufficient for an extended period of time, should they need to. This means you should have enough food water and basic medical supplies including paracetamol or ibuprofen, as well as regular medications, nappies for babies, cleaning products, tissues and bathroom supplies for at least a week.
• Checklists and advice on how individuals and families can prepare for a pandemic are available on the Ministry of Health's website: http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/pandemicinfluenza-resources-factsheets

This information can be attributed to Dr Darren Hunt, Deputy Director of Public Health.


For more information, please call:
Ministry of Health National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk
+64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (021) 243 6805


For specific health advice the public should call Healthline 0800 611 116








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Media Release

1.30pm, 14 June 2009



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


If you need medical advice, please phone Healthline 0800 611 116

New Zealand situation

We continue to see an increase in case numbers for influenza A (H1N1) swine flu in New Zealand, some without any link to travel. This signals community spread is taking place in some areas. Although confirmed case numbers are still relatively low, they are steadily rising. This is a situation that we have expected.

For most people who have this virus, their illness will be mild to moderate, although unpleasant. If you have mild symptoms, be prepared to look after yourself at home. People who are sick should stay away from work and school.

Some people will have a more serious illness, and are at risk of complications. If you need medical advice, please phone Healthline 0800 611 116 in the first instance, or your GP. Phoning ahead will help health services plan ahead if you are infectious, and help protect other patients.

Also, please be aware hospitals and other health services are very busy at this time of the year, and will be increasingly busy as we see spread of this new flu virus. People who need treatment at emergency departments may need to wait, depending on their symptoms.

In terms of our pandemic planning and actions, we are very much now in a transition phase. Some areas in New Zealand will remain highly focussed on preventing community spread, whereas others will start to move into ?protect? or ?management? mode, where the focus is on reducing the impact on our communities and health system. Part of this will be individuals looking after themselves at home where possible.

The numbers

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is now 55 up from 43 yesterday. The cumulative total of probable cases is 20 up from 18 yesterday.

There are 12 new confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) today. They are:

One case in Nelson region

• 69 year old female, travelled from Australia

Four cases in Wellington

• No details
• 33 year old male, no recent travel or contacts that travelled
• 27-year-old woman
• 22-year-old man

Seven cases in Christchurch

• Two year old girl, attends Tino E Tasi Preschool with other cases
• Four year old girl, attends preschool with other cases
• Three year old boy, attends preschool with other cases
• Four year old girl, attends preschool with other cases
• Four year old boy, attends preschool with other cases
• 40 year old woman, contact of preschool cases
• 29 year old male, recently travelled from South America

Plus:

Three cases in Auckland included in the cumulative total but not in yesterday's regional breakdown

• 39 year old male, who travelled from Australia
• 13 month old boy, contact of case from ABC learning centre
• 16 year old female, no recent travel or contacts that travelled

Further details about these cases are not available at this time.

All the new cases are being treated with Tamiflu. Close contacts of the new confirmed cases are being traced and will be treated with Tamiflu and asked to stay in isolation at home.

How to protect yourself and others

• Signs and symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhoea and vomiting.
• Sick people should stay home until they are well, rather than going to school or work. Try to avoid contact with sick people and reduce time spent in crowded settings. If you become sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep you from infecting others. Most people will be able to safely recover at home.
• You should seek medical advice if necessary (by phone first), for example if your condition worsens. This is particularly important for people with underlying medical conditions who are at greater risk of developing complications from influenza. If you need medical advice, please phone Healthline 0800 611 116 in the first instance, or your GP. Do not turn up at a hospital or medical centre before doing this as you can spread germs to other people.
• If you are caring for someone with the flu, watch for signs that they may need further medical attention, including: difficulty breathing, chest pain, blueness around the lips, inability to keep fluids down, becoming less alert or developing confusion. More information can be found on the Victorian Health website and Centre for Disease Control website.
• Be prepared - This is the time for people to make sure they?re prepared to be self-sufficient for an extended period of time, should they need to. This means you should have enough food water and basic medical supplies including paracetamol or ibuprofen, as well as regular medications, nappies for babies, cleaning products, tissues and bathroom supplies for at least a week.
• Hand hygiene is still the single most effective measure in protecting yourself. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.
• Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.
• Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette. This means covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and disposing of the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid or plastic bag.
• Checklists and advice on how individuals and families can prepare for a pandemic.

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Media Release

14 June 2009



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

If you need medical advice, phone Healthline 0800 611 116

New Zealand situation

Further results have been received from laboratories today showing the number of confirmed cases has grown to 71 (from 55 earlier today) and year 12 students at Auckland?s Westlake Girls High School have been told to stay home from school for a week.

Health Minister Tony Ryall says there is no reason for alarm and that more cases are to be expected. "We are working to contain the spread as much as possible. This is a rapidly changing situation with cases increasing exponentially both here and in many states of Australia."

Deputy Director of Public Health Dr Darren Hunt says ?According to our experience in New Zealand and confirmed by the World Health Organization, for most people this flu is mild and they recover quickly at home without having to visit their doctor.

?By containing the swine flu as long as possible it gives our GPs and hospitals more chance to deal with normal seasonal flu and the normal winter workload.

He warns that for some this disease will be serious and they should seek advice either from Healthline 0800 611 116 or their GP - but phone ahead first.

Also, people who go to busy hospital Emergency Departments may face delays as people who are more sick are treated first.

The numbers

Since the update released earlier today, another 16 cases have been reported. There are 13 new cases in Auckland and three in Wellington.

One of the previously confirmed (earlier today) Auckland cases is a year 12 student at Westlake Girls High School. There are 10 others at the school with flu-like symptoms but who are not included in the current confirmed case numbers but are suspected of having the disease.

As a precaution, all year 12 students from the school are being advised to stay home for the week. Those with symptoms will be treated with Tamiflu.

No further details on the other cases are available at this point.

Travellers

The Ministry has again refined advice to international travellers arriving in New Zealand. Better information about the incubation period of the disease means that only people with flu-like symptoms within four days of travel are now considered to be suspect cases of influenza A (H1N1).

Initially the Ministry advised that any travellers who became sick within a fortnight should be treated as suspicious for influenza A (H1N1); this was subsequently changed to seven days and this has now been further modified to four days.

How to protect yourself and others

There is detailed advice in the earlier update today on the steps people can take to protect themselves. In summary, if you are sick stay home from school or work; cover coughs and sneezes, and thoroughly wash and dry hands.

Unless where otherwise specified; this information can be attributed to Dr Darren Hunt, Deputy Director of Public Health.



For further information, please contact Ministry of Health National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk
+64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (021) 243 6805


For specific health advice the public should call Healthline 0800 611 116








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Media Release

15 June 2009



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

The number of cases of the new influenza H1N1 is increasing in New Zealand, but there are still relatively few cases and only isolated instances of community transmission.

Globally the number of cases is increasing, especially in Australia, and this is expected to continue.

New Zealand is still in the containment phase. This is the reason that New Zealand has relatively few cases. At this time there remains a combination of border management (keep it out) and cluster control (stamp it out).

The objectives of this combined strategy are to prevent, delay and minimise the arrival of further cases of infection into New Zealand and to control any cases or clusters that are found in New Zealand. This strategy is being kept under continuous review.

Our planning is to enable health services to manage large numbers of cases as well as maintain services for those who most need them. An important part of this approach will include advising individuals how to look after themselves at home where this is possible - in the same way they would with seasonal flu.

People with chronic underlying conditions such as severe respiratory illness and severe heart disease will need to be vigilant and seek early medical advice if they develop influenza symptoms, whether seasonal influenza or new H1N1.

Deputy Director of Public Health Dr Fran McGrath warns that seasonal influenza and the new H1N1 influenza will be mild to moderate for most people but may be serious for some people and they should seek advice either from Healthline 0800 611 116 or their GP ? but phone ahead first.

The numbers


The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is now 86 up from 71 yesterday. Of these, 66 are current cases being treated in isolation. There are also 17 probable cases.

There are 15 new confirmed cases of the new H1N1 influenza today. They are:

In Auckland:

• a 53-year-old
• a 4-year-old girl

In Rotorua:

• a 45-year-old man

In Tauranga:

• a 19-year-old woman
• a further person, whose details were unavailable at the time of this update

In Wellington:

• a 20-year-old
• a 19-year-old man
• a 19-year-old woman
• a 24-year-old man
• a 30-year-old woman

In Christchurch:

• a 13-year-old boy
• a 48-year-old woman
• a 21-year-old woman
• a 2-year-old boy
• a 36-year-old woman

Travellers


The Ministry has refined advice to international travellers arriving in New Zealand. Better information about the incubation period of the disease means that only people with flu-like symptoms within four days of travel are now considered to be at risk of the new influenza H1N1.

Public Health professionals are present at the border and information is being provided to travellers.

Advice for workplaces


For most workplaces it is business as usual and staff should only stay home if they have flu-like symptoms or if they have received medical advice to stay home. Generally, if a staff member is suspected of having new H1N1 influenza, public health staff will assess them and advise on appropriate action.

How to protect yourself and others

• Signs and symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhoea and vomiting.
• Try to avoid contact with sick people and reduce time spent in crowded settings.
• Sick people should stay home until they are well, rather than going to school or work.
• If you become sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep you from infecting others. Most people will be able to safely recover at home.
• You should seek medical advice if necessary (by phone first), for example if you have a serious underlying health condition or your condition worsens. This is particularly important for people with underlying medical conditions who are at greater risk of developing complications from influenza. If you need medical advice, please phone Healthline 0800 611 116 in the first instance, or your GP. Do not turn up at a hospital or medical centre before doing this as you can spread germs to other people.
• If you are caring for someone with the flu, watch for signs that they may need further medical attention, including: difficulty breathing, chest pain, blueness around the lips, inability to keep fluids down, becoming less alert or developing confusion. More information can be found on the Victorian Health website (http://humanswineflu.health.vic.gov...._to_expect.htm) and Centre for Disease Control website (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm)
• Be prepared - This is the time for people to make sure they?re prepared to be self-sufficient for an extended period of time, should they need to. This means you should have enough food water and basic medical supplies including paracetamol or ibuprofen, as well as regular medications, nappies for babies, cleaning products, tissues and bathroom supplies for at least a week.
• Hand hygiene is still the single most effective measure in protecting yourself. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.
• Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.
• Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette. This means covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and disposing of the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid or plastic bag
• Checklists and advice on how individuals and families can prepare for a pandemic are available on the Ministry of Health's website: http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/index...ces-factsheets

International Update from the World Health Organization


On Friday, WHO announced a pandemic phase 6 ? the highest phase - which means there is global spread of the virus, but it does not mean the disease is severe.

The WHO website is expected to be updated this evening. As of 07:00 GMT, 12 June 2009, 74 countries have officially reported 29,669 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 145 deaths.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given in the following table and map.

Map of the spread of Influenza A(H1N1): number of laboratory confirmed cases and deaths [png 203kb]

As at 5am AEST on 15 June, the number of confirmed cases in Australia was 1542, with 1011 of these cases in Victoria.

Updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak are available on the WHO website on a regular basis (http://www.who.int)


Unless where otherwise specified, this information can be attributed to Dr Fran McGrath, Deputy Director of Public Health.


For further information please phone Ministry of Health National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk
+64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (021) 243 6805

For specific health advice the public should call Healthline 0800 611 116








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Media Release

16 June 2009

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

While the number of cases of the new influenza H1N1 are increasing in New Zealand, there are still relatively few cases and only isolated instances of community transmission.

There has been significant public interest in the new influenza H1N1 swine flu with record numbers of calls to Healthline. Around 1500 calls were answered yesterday. This is almost double the usual number of calls. The Ministry of Health is boosting the capacity of the Healthline call centre to try to reduce waiting times and the Ministry apologises for delays experienced by some people, however, please expect delays in the short term. Callers to Healthline 0800 611 116 with no symptoms should take the "Press 1" option to hear information about influenza A (H1N1) and have the option speak to someone. Those with symptoms should "Press 2" to speak to a registered nurse.

An alternate source of information on the signs and symptoms of influenza is available on the Ministry of Health website www.moh.govt.nz
The Ministry is also moving to provide an additonal telephone advice service for GPs.

The Minister of Health, Tony Ryall, today praised the work being carried out by front-line health professonals - both public health units and GPs who are managing heavy workloads and maintaining a professional service for the public. "Case numbers are escalating across the country. This flu will take some time to peak and this will remain an ongong issue for New Zealanders. If we all act sensibly we can continue to delay the spread of flu as long as we can, and delay the impact beyond the traditional winter flu peak.

Dr Fran McGrath said "We know that while for most people, swine flu is a moderate illness that can safely be managed at home, for some people it will be severe. People with underlying medical conditions who get influenza, should seek medical advice early if their condition worsens. I encourage people to save emergency departments for genuine emergencies, and phone your doctor or medical centre for advice before turning up.

New Zealand remains in the containment phase, however planning is underway for when New Zealand moves to a "manage it" phase. At the moment there is a combination of border management (keep it out) and cluster control (stamp it out), but as more cases are confirmed in the community the focus will need to shift to boosting the way care is provided in the community. The decision on where best to direct the efforts of health professionals is reviewed daily.

Preventing, delaying and minimising the arrival of further cases of infection into New Zealand and to control any cases or clusters that are found in New Zealand remains the objective. This strategy is being kept under continual review.

Our planning is to enable health services to manage large numbers of cases as well as maintain services for those who most need them. An important part of this approach will include advising individuals how to look after themselves at home where this is possible - in the same way they would with seasonal flu.

School closures

An increasing number of schools are being affected by partial or total closure, due to the new influenza A H1N1. In some instances there may be only one or two confirmed cases in a school, however the number of other students away sick with influenza-like illnesses has been a significant factor in decisions to close or partially close a school. This decision isn't taken lightly - it's necessary to help stop the spread of virus.

The numbers

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is now 109 up from 86 yesterday. This number is expected increase again today. Of these 88 are current cases reported within the past seven days. There are also 21 probable cases.

There have been 23 new confirmed cases of the new H1N1 influenza in the past 24 hours. They are:

Auckland - seven cases:

• A male aged 7 years
• A male aged 46 years
• A female aged 13 months
• A female aged 3 years
• A female aged 43 years
• A female aged 47 years
• A female - age unknown

Wellington - three cases

• A female aged 11 months
• A male aged 20 years
• A male aged 34 years

Canterbury - 13 cases

• A female aged 5 years
• A female aged 12 years
• A female aged 14 years
• A female aged 32 years
• A female aged 33 years
• A female aged 34 years
• A female aged 52 years
• A male aged 5 years
• A male aged 8 years
• A male aged 11 years
• A male aged 31 years
• A male aged 34 years
• A male aged 39 years

Travellers

The Ministry has refined advice to international travellers arriving in New Zealand. Better information about the incubation period of the disease means that only people with flu-like symptoms within four days of travel are now considered to be at risk of the new influenza A (H1N1).

Public Health professionals are present at the border and information is being provided to travellers.

Advice for workplaces

For most workplaces it is business as usual and staff should stay home only if they have flu-like symptoms or if they have received medical advice to stay home. Generally, if a staff member is suspected of having new influenza A (H1N1) public health staff will assess them and advise on appropriate action.

How to protect yourself and others

• Signs and symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhoea and vomiting.
• Try to avoid contact with sick people and reduce time spent in crowded settings.
• Sick people should stay home until they are well, rather than going to school or work.
• If you become sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep you from infecting others. Most people will be able to safely recover at home.
• You should seek medical advice if necessary (by phone first), for example if you have a serious underlying health condition or your condition worsens. This is particularly important for people with underlying medical conditions, who are at greater risk of developing complications from influenza. If you need medical advice, please phone Healthline 0800 611 116 in the first instance, or your GP. Do not turn up at a hospital or medical centre before doing this as you can spread germs to other people.
• If you are caring for someone with the flu, watch for signs that they may need further medical attention, including: difficulty breathing, chest pain, blueness around the lips, inability to keep fluids down, becoming less alert or developing confusion.
• More information can be found on the Victorian Health website (http://humanswineflu.health.vic.gov.au/public/what_to_expect.htm) and Centre for Disease Control website (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm)
• Be prepared - This is the time for people to make sure they?re prepared to be self-sufficient for an extended period of time, should they need to. This means you should have enough food water and basic medical supplies including paracetamol or ibuprofen, as well as regular medications, nappies for babies, cleaning products, tissues and bathroom supplies for at least a week.
• Hand hygiene is still the single most effective measure in protecting yourself. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.
• Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.
• Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette. This means covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and disposing of the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid or plastic bag
• Checklists and advice on how individuals and families can prepare for a pandemic are available on the Ministry of Health's website: http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/pandemicinfluenza-resources-factsheets

International Update from the World Health Organization

On Friday, WHO announced a pandemic phase 6 ? the highest phase - which means there is global spread of the virus, but it does not mean the disease is severe.

The WHO website is expected to be updated this evening. As of 07:00 GMT, 12 June 2009, 74 countries have officially reported 29,669 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 145 deaths.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given in the following table http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_06_15/en/index.html

As at 5am AEST on 16 June, the number of confirmed cases in Australia was 1853, with 1210 of these cases in Victoria.

Updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak are available on the WHO website on a regular basis (http://www.who.int)


Unless where otherwise specified, this information can be attributed to Dr Fran McGrath, Deputy Director of Public Health.


For further information please phone Ministry of Health National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk
+64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (021) 243 6805

For specific health advice the public should call Healthline 0800 611 116








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Media Release

17 June 2009



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

The Ministry of Health has upgraded its website as the first port of call for people without symptoms of influenza wanting information about swine flu in New Zealand. This is part of a plan to support the increasing demand on Healthline and give New Zealanders the information they are seeking.

Information and health advice can be accessed through Healthline 0800 611 116, however the volume of calls being received by the call centre means there may be some delay in calls being answered. The Ministry of Health is boosting the capacity of the Healthline call centre to try to reduce waiting times and the Ministry apologises for delays experienced by some people. Callers to Healthline seeking flu informaton who do not have symptoms should take the "Press 1" option. They will hear recorded information about influenza A (H1N1) but can also opt to speak to an operator at any time. Those with symptoms should "Press 2" to speak to a registered nurse.

The Ministry is also moving on options to provide an additional telephone advice service for GPs.

New Zealand remains in the containment phase although planning is underway to move to a "manage it" phase when required. While the number of cases of the new influenza H1N1 is increasing in New Zealand, there are still relatively few cases and only isolated instances of community transmission.

Containment involves both border management (keep it out) and cluster control (stamp it out), but as more cases are confirmed in the community the focus will need to shift to boosting the way care is provided in the community. The decision on where best to direct the efforts of health professionals is reviewed daily.

Preventing, delaying and minimising the arrival of further cases of infection into New Zealand and controlling any cases or clusters that are found in New Zealand remains the current objective. This strategy is being kept under continual review.

Planning for the next phase is to enable community based health services to manage large numbers of people with influenza as well as maintain services for patients with other illnesses. An important part of this approach will include advising individuals how to look after themselves at home where this is possible - in the same way they would with seasonal flu.

Information for the public is being constantly revised and improved to ensure people have easy access to comprehensive advice about the new influenza.

General information on the signs and symptoms of the new influenza, advice on limiting the spread of infection and on how to care for yourself at home, can be found on the Ministry of Health website www.moh.govt.nz.
The Ministry has upgraded the influenza A H1N1 web pages to make it easier for people to find information about the new influenza.

School closures

An increasing number of schools are being affected by partial or total closure, due to the new influenza A H1N1. In some instances there may be only one or two confirmed cases in a school, however the number of other students away sick with influenza-like illnesses has been a significant factor in decisions to close or partially close a school. This decision isn't taken lightly - it's necessary to help stop the spread of the virus.

The numbers

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is now 127, up 18 from 109 reported in our last update yesterday. Of these, 105 are current cases. There are also 20 probable cases.

The 18 new confirmed cases are:

Auckland - four cases

• a male aged 33 years
• a female aged 7 years
• a case aged 11 (sex unknown)
• a male aged 8 years

Rotorua - one case

• a male aged 15 years

Wellington - four cases

• a female aged 3 years
• a male aged 5 years
• a male aged 17 years
• a male aged 20 years

Christchurch - nine cases

• a four-year-old (sex unknown)
• a female aged 3 years
• a female aged 63 years
• a male aged 15 years
• a female aged 4 years
• a female aged 33 years
• a female aged 14 years
• a female aged 21 years
• a case (age and sex unknown)

The cumulative total of confirmed cases by region are:
Northland, 0; Auckland, 42; Waikato, 4; Bay of Plenty/Lakes, 3; Gisborne, 0; Hawkes Bay, 1; Taranaki, 0; Wanganui/Palmerston North, 1; Wellington, 27; Nelson/Marlborough, 1; Canterbury, 30; Otago/Southland, 0.

Travellers

The Ministry has refined the advice to international travellers arriving in New Zealand. Better information about the incubation period of the disease means that only people with flu-like symptoms within four days of overseas travel are now considered to be at risk of having the new influenza A (H1N1).

Public Health professionals are present at the border and information is being provided to travellers.

Advice for workplaces

For most workplaces it is business as usual and staff should stay home only if they have flu-like symptoms or if they have received medical advice to stay home. Generally, if a staff member is suspected of having new influenza A (H1N1) public health staff will assess them and advise on appropriate action.

How to protect yourself and others

• Signs and symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhoea and vomiting.
• Try to avoid contact with sick people and reduce time spent in crowded settings.
• Sick people should stay home until they are well, rather than going to school or work.
• If you become sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep you from infecting others. Most people will be able to safely recover at home.
• You should seek medical advice if necessary (by phone first), for example if you have a serious underlying health condition or your condition worsens. This is particularly important for people with underlying medical conditions, who are at greater risk of developing complications from influenza. If you need medical advice, please phone Healthline 0800 611 116 in the first instance, or your GP. Do not turn up at a hospital or medical centre before doing this as you can spread germs to other people.
• If you are caring for someone with the flu, watch for signs that they may need further medical attention, including: difficulty breathing, chest pain, blueness around the lips, inability to keep fluids down, becoming less alert or developing confusion. More information can be found on the Victorian Health website (http://humanswineflu.health.vic.gov.au/public/what_to_expect.htm) and Centre for Disease Control website (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm)

Be Prepared - at home and in the workplace

• Be prepared - This is the time for people to make sure they?re prepared to be self-sufficient for a week, should they need to. This means you should have enough food water and basic medical supplies including paracetamol or ibuprofen, as well as regular medications, nappies for babies, cleaning products, tissues and bathroom supplies for at least a week.
• Hand hygiene is still the single most effective measure in protecting yourself. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.
• Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.
• Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette. This means covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and disposing of the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid or plastic bag
• Checklists and advice on how individuals and families can prepare for a pandemic are available on the Ministry of Health's website: http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/index...ces-factsheets

International Update from the World Health Organization

Last Friday, WHO announced a pandemic phase 6 ? the highest phase - which means there is global spread of the virus, but it does not mean the disease is severe.

The WHO website is expected to be updated this evening. As of 17:00 GMT, 15 June 2009, 76 countries have officially reported 35, 928 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 163 deaths.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given in the following table http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_06_15/en/index.html

As at 5am AEST on 17 June, the number of confirmed cases in Australia was 1965, with 1210 of these cases in Victoria.

Updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak are available on the WHO website on a regular basis (http://www.who.int)


Unless where otherwise specified, this information can be attributed to Dr Fran McGrath, Deputy Director of Public Health.


Media Only: For further information please phone
Ministry of Health National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk
+64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (021) 243 6805


For specific health advice the public should call Healthline 0800 611 116








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Media Release

18 June 2009

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

New Zealand remains in the containment phase but planning is underway to move to a ?manage it? phase when required. Although the number of cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infection is increasing in New Zealand, there are still relatively few cases and isolated instances of community transmission. Most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalisation or medical care.

Containment involves both border management (keep it out) and cluster control (stamp it out). But as more cases are confirmed in the community, the focus will need to shift to boosting the way care is provided in the community. The decision on where best to direct the efforts of health professionals is reviewed daily.

Preventing, delaying and minimising the arrival of further cases of infection into New Zealand and the community spread of infection remain the current objectives.

Planning for the next phase is to enable community-based health services to manage large numbers of people with influenza as well as maintain services for patients with other illnesses. An important part of this approach includes individuals being prepared to look after themselves at home in the same way they would with seasonal flu.

The Ministry of Health is not advising people to cancel social gatherings, sports events and travel. However, there are practical steps that individuals and communities can take to reduce the community spread of the virus. These steps include practising good hand hygiene and covering coughs and sneezes. If you are sick, stay home until you have fully recovered as you can easily spread the germs to others.

Information for the public is being constantly revised and improved to ensure people have easy access to comprehensive advice about the new Influenza A (H1N1) virus.

General information on the signs and symptoms of the new influenza, and advice on limiting the spread of infection and how to care for yourself at home are available on the Ministry of Health website: (http://www.moh.govt.nz). The Influenza A (H1N1) webpages have been upgraded to make it easier for people to find information.

Information and health advice can be accessed through Healthline 0800 611 116. The Ministry of Health is boosting the capacity of the Healthline call centre to try to reduce waiting times and the Ministry apologises for delays experienced by some people. Callers to Healthline seeking flu information who do not have symptoms should take the ?Press 1? option. They will hear the recorded information about Influenza A (H1N1) but can also opt to speak to an operator at anytime. Those with flu symptoms should ?Press 2? to speak to a registered nurse.

A national GP support line for all flu pandemic queries is currently being set up to help GPs better manage the rise in swine flu cases. The new telephone advice service will be established jointly by the Ministry of Health, the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and ProCare Health.

Latest numbers

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is 153, up 26 from 127 yesterday. The number of probable cases is 19, down from 20 yesterday.
The 26 new confirmed cases are:
Auckland ? 1 case

• an 8-year-old male

Canterbury ? 12 cases

• a 32-year-old (sex unknown)
• an 8-year-old female
• a 22-year-old male
• a 9-year-old female
• an 11-year-old male
• a 22-year-old female
• a 4-year-old male
• a 14-year-old female
• a 16-year-old female
• an 8-year-old male
• an 11-year-old female
• a 7-year-old male

Hawke?s Bay ? 1 case

• a 2-year-old male

Wellington ? 12 cases

• a 28-year-old male
• an 18-year-old male
• a 24-year-old female
• an 11-year-old male
• a 42-year-old male
• a 19-year-old female
• a 50-year-old female
• a 44-year-old female
• a 13-year-old male
• a 24-year-old (sex unknown)
• a 13-year-old (sex unknown)
• a case (age and sex unknown)

The cumulative total of confirmed cases by region are:
Northland (0); Auckland (46); Waikato (4); Bay of Plenty/Lakes (4); Gisborne (0); Hawkes Bay (2); Taranaki (0); Wanganui/Palmerston North (1); Wellington (44); Nelson/Marlborough (1); Canterbury (51) and Otago/Southland (0).

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme

As part of the management of the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak, the Ministry of Health has purchased an extra 125,000 doses of the seasonal influenza vaccine, which is available for immediate use.

The fewer people who contract seasonal influenza, the fewer hospitalisations will occur. The people most at risk of complications are those who are in the group eligible for the free programme. If more of this group are vaccinated, it means there will be a better chance of being able to deal with the increasing numbers of people likely to be hospitalized with complications from Influenza A (H1N1).

The Ministry of Health is strongly encouraging frontline health workers to be vaccinated for seasonal influenza. This means hospitals and other frontline health services will be better able to cope with the increased demand over the winter months.

Travellers

The Ministry has refined the advice to international travellers arriving in New Zealand. Better information about the incubation period of the disease means that only people with flu-like symptoms within four days of overseas travel are now considered to be at risk of having influenza A (H1N1) infection.

Public health professionals are present at the border and information is being provided to travellers.

Advice for workplaces

It is business as usual for most workplaces. Staff should stay home only if they have flu-like symptoms or if they have received medical advice to stay home. Generally, if a staff member is suspected of having influenza A (H1N1), public health staff will assess them and advise on appropriate action.
How to protect yourself and others

• Signs and symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhoea and vomiting.
• Try to avoid contact with sick people and reduce time spent in crowded settings.
• Sick people should stay home until they are well, rather than going to school or work.
• If you become sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep you from infecting others. Most people will be able to safely recover at home.
• You should seek medical advice if necessary (by phone first), for example if you have a serious underlying health condition or your condition worsens. This is particularly important for people with underlying medical conditions, who are at greater risk of developing complications from influenza. If you need medical advice, please phone Healthline 0800 611 116 in the first instance, or your GP. Do not turn up at a hospital or medical centre before doing this as you can spread germs to other people.
• If you are caring for someone with flu, watch for signs that they may need further medical attention, including: shortness of breath, chest pain, blueness around the lips, inability to keep fluids down, becoming less alert or lightheadedness. More information can be found on the websites of the Department of Human Services of the State Government of Victoria in Australia (http://humanswineflu.health.vic.gov.au/public/what_to_expect.htm) and the Centers for Disease Control in the US
  (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm).

Be prepared ? at home and in the workplace

• Be prepared - This is the time for people to make sure they?re prepared to be self-sufficient for a week, should they need to. This means you should have enough food water and basic medical supplies including paracetamol or ibuprofen as well as regular medications, nappies for babies, cleaning products, tissues and bathroom supplies for at least a week.
• Hand hygiene is still the single most effective measure in protecting yourself. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.
• Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.
• Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette. This means covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and disposing of the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid or plastic bag
• Checklists and advice on how individuals and families can prepare for a pandemic are available on the Ministry of Health's website: http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/index...ces-factsheets

International Update from the World Health Organization

On 11 June 2009, the WHO raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6 on the basis of available evidence and expert assessments of that evidence. At this time, WHO considers the overall severity of the influenza pandemic to be moderate. The assessment reflects the fact that most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalisation or medical care.

As of 17:00 GMT, 15 June 2009, 76 countries have officially reported 35, 928 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 163 deaths.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given in the following table (http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_06_15/en/index.html).

As at 5am AEST on 18 June, Australia has reported 2118 confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) influenza, including 1230 cases in Victoria.

Regular updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic are available on the WHO website (http://www.who.int).


Unless otherwise specified, this information can be attributed to Dr Darren Hunt, Deputy Director of Public Health.





For media queries related to this update, please call:
Ministry of Health National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk
+64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (021) 243 6805


For specific health advice the public should call Healthline 0800 611 116








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Media Release

11:00 am, Friday 19 June 2009

Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update eighty

New Zealand is moving to a ?manage it? phase as part of our response to the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak. The shift in phase reflects the increased spread of the virus, rather than a change in the severity of the illness, especially in three of our main centres ? Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland. This has been predicted since the rapid spread started occurring in Australia.

The shift in New Zealand?s response is in keeping with the World Health Organisation?s assessment that the overall severity of the disease is moderate, but spreading globally. Most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalisation or medical care.

Efforts to adapt and introduce new measures are underway and these measures are expected to be in place by early next week. These measures include enabling community-based health services to manage large numbers of people with influenza as well as maintain services for patients with other illnesses. An important part of this approach includes individuals being prepared to look after themselves at home in the same way they would with seasonal flu.

Activities at the border will continue, providing health information to people arriving in New Zealand and advice as necessary.

The Ministry is not advising people to cancel social gatherings, sports events and travel. However, there are practical steps that individuals and communities can take to reduce the community spread of the virus. These steps include practising good hand hygiene and covering coughs and sneezes. If you are sick, stay home until you have fully recovered as you can easily spread the germs to others.

Information for the public is being constantly revised and improved to ensure people have easy access to comprehensive advice about the new Influenza A (H1N1) virus.

General information on the signs and symptoms of the new influenza, and advice on limiting the spread of infection and how to care for yourself at home are available on the Ministry of Health website: (http://www.moh.govt.nz). The Influenza A (H1N1) webpages have been upgraded to make it easier for people to find information.

Information and health advice can be accessed through Healthline 0800 611 116. The Ministry of Health is boosting the capacity of the Healthline call centre to try to reduce waiting times and the Ministry apologises for delays experienced by some people. Callers to Healthline seeking flu information who do not have symptoms should take the ?Press 1? option. They will hear the recorded information about Influenza A (H1N1) but can also opt to speak to an operator at anytime. Those with flu symptoms should ?Press 2? to speak to a registered nurse.

Regional phone numbers for advice are also being set up in some areas.

National GP support line

A national GP support line for all flu pandemic queries has been set up to help better manage the rise in swine flu cases.

The helpline for GPs has been established by the Ministry of Health, the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and ProCare Health to provide GPs with dedicated support for queries and updates on the new Influenza A (H1N1) ?swine flu? virus.

Latest numbers

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is 216, up 63 from 153 yesterday. The number of probable cases is 18, down from 19 yesterday. The number of current active cases is 158.
Most of the 63 new confirmed cases are in the following regions:

• Wellington - 20 cases
• Canterbury - 18 cases

The cumulative total of confirmed cases by region are:

Northland (0); Auckland (46); Waikato (5); Bay of Plenty/Lakes (4); Gisborne (0); Hawkes Bay (2); Taranaki (0); Wanganui/Palmerston North (1); Wellington (80); Nelson/Marlborough (1); Canterbury (77) and Otago/Southland (0).


National Non-Seasonal Novel Influenza A(H1N1) case and contact numbers for New Zealand

<table class="outline" border="1"> <tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="255">As at 0900hrs 19 June 2009</td><td bgcolor="#e1e1e1" width="89">Confirmed</td><td bgcolor="#e1e1e1" width="89">Probable</td><td bgcolor="#e1e1e1" width="89">Suspected</td><td bgcolor="#e1e1e1" width="239">Number of confirmed H1N1 cases reported in past 7 days*</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#efefef" width="255">Northland PHS</td><td width="89">

0

</td><td width="89">

0

</td><td width="89">

25

</td><td width="239">

0

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#efefef" width="255">Auckland RPHS</td><td width="89">

46

</td><td width="89">

10

</td><td width="89">

392

</td><td width="239">

23

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#efefef" width="255">Waikato PHS</td><td width="89">

5

</td><td width="89">

0

</td><td width="89">

15

</td><td width="239">

3

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#efefef" width="255">Bay of Plenty/Lakes </td><td width="89">

4

</td><td width="89">

5

</td><td width="89">

62

</td><td width="239">

4

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#efefef" width="255">Tairawhiti DHB</td><td width="89">

0

</td><td width="89">

0

</td><td width="89">

3

</td><td width="239">

0

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#efefef" width="255">Hawkes Bay PHU</td><td width="89">

2

</td><td width="89">

2

</td><td width="89">

17

</td><td width="239">

1

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#efefef" width="255">Taranaki HPU</td><td width="89">

0

</td><td width="89">

0

</td><td width="89">

4

</td><td width="239">

0

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#efefef" width="255">Wanganui/Palmerston North</td><td width="89">

1

</td><td width="89">

0

</td><td width="89">

17

</td><td width="239">

0

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#efefef" width="255">Wellington</td><td width="89">

80

</td><td width="89">

1

</td><td width="89">

91

</td><td width="239">

62

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#efefef" width="255">Nelson Marlborough PHS</td><td width="89">

1

</td><td width="89">

0

</td><td width="89">

1

</td><td width="239">

0

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#efefef" width="255">Canterbury</td><td width="89">

77

</td><td width="89">

0

</td><td width="89">

16

</td><td width="239">

65

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#efefef" width="255">Otago/Southland</td><td width="89">

0

</td><td width="89">

0

</td><td width="89">

0

</td><td width="239">

0

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td width="255">Total</td><td width="89">

216

</td><td width="89">

18

</td><td width="89">

643

</td><td width="239">

158

</td></tr> </tbody></table>
Notes:
Confirmed, probable and suspected numbers from EpiSurv
Suspected includes those that are reported as under investigation
* Number includes all cases confirmed for ≤7 days from report date


Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme

As part of the management of the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak, the Ministry of Health has purchased an extra 125,000 doses of the seasonal influenza vaccine, which is still available for use.

The fewer people who contract seasonal influenza, the fewer hospitalisations will occur. The people most at risk of complications are those who are in the group eligible for the free programme. If more of this group are vaccinated, it means there will be a better chance of being able to deal with the increasing numbers of people likely to be hospitalized with complications from Influenza A (H1N1).

The Ministry of Health is strongly encouraging frontline health workers to be vaccinated for seasonal influenza. This means hospitals and other frontline health services will be better able to cope with the increased demand over the winter months.

Advice for workplaces

It is business as usual for most workplaces. Staff should stay home only if they have flu-like symptoms or if they have received medical advice to stay home. Generally, if a staff member is suspected of having influenza A (H1N1), public health staff will assess them and advise on appropriate action.

How to protect yourself and others

• Signs and symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhoea and vomiting.
• Try to avoid contact with sick people and reduce time spent in crowded settings.
• Sick people should stay home until they are well, rather than going to school or work.
• If you become sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep you from infecting others. Most people will be able to safely recover at home.
• You should seek medical advice if necessary (by phone first), for example if you have a serious underlying health condition or your condition worsens. This is particularly important for people with underlying medical conditions, who are at greater risk of developing complications from influenza. If you need medical advice, please phone Healthline 0800 611 116 in the first instance, or your GP. Do not turn up at a hospital or medical centre before doing this as you can spread germs to other people.
• If you are caring for someone with flu, watch for signs that they may need further medical attention, including: shortness of breath, chest pain, blueness around the lips, inability to keep fluids down, becoming less alert or lightheadedness. More information can be found on the websites of the Department of Human Services of the State Government of Victoria in Australia (http://humanswineflu.health.vic.gov...._to_expect.htm) and the Centers for Disease Control in the US (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm).

Be prepared ? at home and in the workplace

• Be prepared - This is the time for people to make sure they?re prepared to be self-sufficient for a week, should they need to. This means you should have enough food water and basic medical supplies including paracetamol or ibuprofen as well as regular medications, nappies for babies, cleaning products, tissues and bathroom supplies for at least a week.
• Hand hygiene is still the single most effective measure in protecting yourself. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.
• Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.
• Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette. This means covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and disposing of the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid or plastic bag
• Checklists and advice on how individuals and families can prepare for a pandemic are available on the Ministry of Health's website: http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/index...enza-resources

International Update from the World Health Organization

On 11 June 2009, the WHO raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6 on the basis of available evidence and expert assessments of that evidence. At this time, WHO considers the overall severity of the influenza pandemic to be moderate. The assessment reflects the fact that most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalisation or medical care.

As of 12:00 GMT, 17 June 2009, nearly 80 countries reported 39,620 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 167 deaths.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given in the following table (http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_06_17/en/index.html)

As at 5am AEST on 19 June, Australia has reported 2199 confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) influenza, including 1230 cases in Victoria.

Regular updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic are available on the WHO website (http://www.who.int).


Unless otherwise specified, this information can be attributed to Dr Darren Hunt, Deputy Director of Public Health.


For media queries related to this update, please call: Ministry of Health National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk +64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (021) 243 6805

For specific health advice the public should call Healthline 0800 611 116








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