NZ Govt Media Releases

kiwibird · May 29, 2009

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-fiftythree-290509
Media Release
1:00pm, Friday 29 May 2009

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

New Zealand?s efforts to contain the influenza A (H1N1) swine flu virus and delay any spread into the community, continue to be successful.

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

Given the continuing increase in the number of overseas cases being notified to the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health has updated its information for travellers and is working with Customs to ensure all incoming international travellers receive the notification. There will also be a greater profile of health information at airports through posters and billboards. The number of confirmed cases in Australia continues to rise (148), and some schools have been closed.

New Zealand?s Director of Public Health Dr Mark Jacobs will be writing to schools next week to advise them about the issue, and what it might mean for schools when the infection starts to spread in New Zealand. It's been over three years since the planning was done around Avian Influenza. The messages are largely the same though systems and processes need to be revisited to make sure they are up-to-date.

Screening and information for international flights continues and anyone who is unwell is advised not to travel.

Anyone who has recently travelled overseas and is ill with influenza symptoms should phone their GP or call Healthline. Advice for New Zealanders travelling or living overseas is available on the MFAT website (http://www.safetravel.govt.nz).

New Zealand situation

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

There are currently 30 suspected cases, up from 23 yesterday. The numbers of suspected cases fluctuate as more people with symptoms arriving from affected areas are assessed (treated and isolated), and as laboratory testing rules out some suspected cases.

There are 23 people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu. This is down from 24 yesterday. The numbers of people in isolation vary according to when they complete 72 hours of the five-day course of Tamiflu.

International Update from the World Health Organization

As of 06:00 GMT, 27 May 2009, 48 countries have officially reported 13,398 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 95 deaths.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given in the WHO website (http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_05_27a/en/index.html).

Regular 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 Mark Jacobs, Director of Public Health.

For more information, please call: Ministry of Health National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk +64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (0274) 346 878

kiwibird · May 31, 2009

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

Media Release
4pm, Sunday 31 May 2009
Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Fifty-five

The Ministry of Health has no plans to divert international Queenstown-bound flights through Christchurch, as reported by a media organisation today.

National Incident Controller at the Ministry of Health's National Health Coordination Centre Steve Brazier says, "We are confident with our screening procedures at the border and we are managing to contain the spread of Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu at this stage."

Steve Brazier says there have been effective screening procedures in place at Queenstown Airport over the last month and these will be enhanced as the ski season approaches.

However, Mr Brazier says as confirmed cases of swine flu in Australia increase, it will become harder and harder for New Zealand to contain the spread.

New Zealand situation

There have been no substantive changes to the New Zealand figures of confirmed or probable cases since May 15. The cumulative total of known past infections remains at nine, with all cases fully recovered. The cumulative total of probable cases remains at 10.

New Zealand figures of individuals suspected and in isolation will be updated on Tuesday 2 June. On Friday 29 May, there were 30 suspected cases and 23 people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu.

International Update from the World Health Organization

As of 06:00 GMT, 29 May 2009, 53 countries had officially reported 15,510 cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 99 deaths.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given in the WHO website:http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_05_29a/en/index.html).

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

ENDS

This information can be attributed to Steve Brazier, National Incident Controller, National Health Coordination Centre, Ministry of Health

For media enquiries please contact Victoria Evans:021 220 6130

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-fiftyfive-310509

kiwibird · Jun 2, 2009

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

Media Release
1.50pm, Tuesday 2 June 2009
Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Fifty-seven

New Zealand situation

There is one new confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu in New Zealand.

The new confirmed case is a child who was a passenger on Flight NZ1, which arrived in Auckland from North America on Sunday. As with all other cases, the passenger is in isolation at home and is being treated with Tamiflu. Contact tracing of passengers on the flight is underway.

This is the first new cases since 15 May.

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is now 10, and the cumulative total of probable cases is now 10. There are 27 suspected cases, down three from the last update on Friday, 29 May. There is no update available for the number of people in isolation.

International Update from the World Health Organization

The latest update reported by the WHO is as of 06:00 GMT, Monday, 1 June 2009. On Monday 62 countries had officially reported 17,410 cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 115 deaths.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given on the WHO website.

Regular updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak are available on the WHO website on a regular basis.

ENDS

This information can be attributed to Mark Jacobs, Director of Public Health.

For more information, please call: Ministry of Health National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk +64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (0274) 346 878

Privacy | Copyright | Disclaimer | About Us | Access Keys | Feedback | Contact Us | Employment | newzealand.govt.nz

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-fiftyseven-020609

kiwibird · Jun 4, 2009

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

<form action=""><map name="mohmap"><area shape="rect" coords="1,0,131,60" id="mohmaplink1" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf?OpenDatabase" accesskey="1" alt="Go to home page - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="132,0,251,60" id="mohmaplink2" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/whatsnew.html" accesskey="." alt="Whats New - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="252,0,360,60" id="mohmaplink3" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Publications-Index" accesskey="6" alt="Publications - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="361,0,439,60" id="mohmaplink4" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Forums-Index" accesskey="5" alt="Forums - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="439,0,510,60" id="mohmaplink5" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Links-Index" accesskey="8" alt="Links - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="511,0,596,60" id="mohmaplink6" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Contact-Index" accesskey="9" alt="Contact - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="596,0,666,60" id="mohmaplink7" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/About-Index" accesskey="3" alt="About - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="666,0,750,60" id="mohmaplink8" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Search-Index" accesskey="4" alt="Search - Ministry of Health"></map>

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Print this[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Email this[/FONT]

Media Release

1:30pm, Thursday 4 June 2009

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

New Zealand situation

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is 11. This is an increase of one since yesterday's update.

A new confirmed case was notified last night in Auckland - a passenger who arrived on Air NZ Flight NZ5 which arrived in Auckland from North America on 30 May 2009. This person and their close contacts, along with passengers who were seated 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 and asked to stay in isolation at home while they are being treated with Tamiflu.

The cumulative total of probable cases remains at 10 - unchanged since yesterday.

There are currently 66 suspected cases, up from 51 yesterday. The numbers of suspected cases fluctuate as more people with symptoms arriving from affected areas are assessed (treated and isolated), and as laboratory testing rules out some suspected cases.

There are 63 people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu. This is up from 54 since yesterday. The numbers of people in isolation vary according to when they complete 72 hours of the five-day course of Tamiflu.

We are watching with concern the rapid increase in the number of confirmed cases in Australia, particularly in the state of Victoria and some Melbourne schools. The continuing rise in the number of overseas cases notified to the World Health Organization and the sudden increase in the number of confirmed cases in our closest neighbour make it increasingly difficult to keep influenza A (H1N1) out of New Zealand.

All travellers, and particularly any school children returning from Melbourne, should keep a close watch for any flu symptoms. If you become unwell within 7 days of returning you should phone your GP or Healthline 0800 611 116 for medical advice.

Basic hygiene measures are also important for individuals, schools and organisations. These include staying at home if you are sick, handwashing, and covering coughs and sneezes.

Cruise Ship update

Staff from Auckland Regional Public Health met passengers from the Pacific Sun Cruise Ship when it docked in Auckland earlier this morning. A New Zealand woman who boarded the ship in Brisbane, tested positive for Influenza on board the ship. Further tests are being conducted today to determine the type of influenza, but preliminary results suggest that it is likely to be seasonal influenza. The woman has recovered and she, along with 12 close contacts have been asked to stay in isolation at home.

There were around 1700 passengers on board the ship. All have been given information on what to do if they become unwell with influenza-like symptoms in the next seven days ? phone a doctor or Healthline for advice 0800 611 116. Passengers have also completed Passenger Locator Forms, to make it easier for public health staff to contact them should the test results change the situation.

Awareness campaign

From this Saturday, the Ministry of Health will be increasing its messages to the public on influenza through information on radio, newspapers, posters at airports and billboards. This includes practical steps that people can take to help keep themselves and their families well over the winter, and reduce transmission of winter viruses including influenza, such as good personal hygiene (handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes) and staying at home if unwell. It also reminds people to make preparations for the likely future spread of Influenza A (H1N1) within New Zealand. This includes being able to look after themselves and families at home if they become unwell, having sufficient supplies of food, water and medicines, and preparing for the possibility that some schools may need to close for a time.

International Update from the World Health Organization

3 June 2009 -- As of 06:00 GMT, 3 June 2009, 66 countries have officially reported 19,273 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 117 deaths.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given on the WHO website. http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_06_03/en/index.html

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 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 (0274) 346 878

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-fiftynine-040609</form>

Sally Furniss · Jun 5, 2009

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

Media Release
6.15pm, 5 June 2009

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

Auckland child tests positive for Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu:
Staff and children attending the Tama Ale Eleele A'oga Amata child care centre in Wylie Road, Papatoetoe, South Auckland to be offered Tamiflu and asked to stay in isolation.

A one-year-old child from South Auckland was diagnosed as having Influenza A (H1N1) “Swine flu” this morning. The child is currently recovering at home.

The child attended the Tama Ale Eleele A'oga Amata child care centre on a number of occasions earlier this week.

This afternoon public health nurses and doctors have visited the family of the child and the day care centre to assess the situation and commence the usual management of the situation. Public health staff will be ensuring swabs have been taken from individuals who are symptomatic and that they are in isolation and being treated with Tamiflu. Public health staff are contacting families who have children at the centre.

Families from the centre may call the Auckland 0800 FLU LINE (0800 358 5463) for further information and advice.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service understands that 37 children are enrolled in the centre and that there are seven staff.

It appears that the child became ill after its family returned from Melbourne on 26 May. Given the time delay between the arrival of the flight and this confirmed case, we are considering what follow-up of passengers on the flight is required.

The Ministry of Health and the Auckland Regional Public Health Service will provide further up-dates on this situation on a regular basis over the weekend.

It’s important that anyone who has returned from overseas in the past seven days and develops influenza-symptoms phones for advice – don’t turn up at a hospital or medical centre, as this can spread germs to other people. Stay home and phone your doctor or Healthline 0800 611 116 which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for free health advice.

This child care centre will be closed on Monday, and a decision will be made as to whether it will reopen next week.

To protect the privacy of children and their families, media are requested not to photograph families and children at the child care centre.

These comments may be attributed to Dr Fran McGrath (Deputy Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health) and Dr Julia Peters (Clinical Director, Auckland Regional Public Health Service).

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

How to protect yourself and others:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid, or a plastic bag, after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water and dry them thoroughly, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* If you become sick, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
* Reduce time spent in crowded settings.

ENDS

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-sixtyone-050609

For more information, please call: Ministry of Health National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk +64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (0274) 346 878

Sally Furniss · Jun 5, 2009

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

Media Release
1:30pm, Friday 5 June 2009
Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Sixty

New Zealand situation

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is now 12, up from 11 yesterday.

The new confirmed case is a passenger off Air NZ flight NZ5 which arrived from Los Angeles on 31 May 2009. This person and their close contacts are now in isolation at home and being treated with Tamiflu.

The cumulative total of probable cases is now 11, up from 10 yesterday. Details about the new probable case will be provided once that information comes to hand.

There are currently 58 suspected cases, down from 66 yesterday. The numbers of suspected cases fluctuate as more people with symptoms arriving from affected areas are assessed (treated and isolated), and as laboratory testing rules out some suspected cases.

There are 66 people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu. This is up from 63 yesterday. The numbers of people in isolation vary according to when they complete 72 hours of the five-day course of Tamiflu.

We are watching with concern the rapid increase in the number of confirmed cases in Australia, particularly in the state of Victoria and in some Melbourne schools. The continuing rise in the number of overseas cases notified to the World Health Organization and the sudden increase in the number of confirmed cases in our closest neighbour make it increasingly difficult to keep influenza A (H1N1) out of New Zealand.

The Ministry of Health will be reinforcing messages on reducing the spread of influenza through a public information campaign that starts this Saturday. Radio and newspaper advertisements, posters at airports and billboards will outline the practical steps that people can take to reduce the spread of winter viruses including influenza. These steps include staying home if unwell and increasing personal hygiene (covering coughs and sneezes and hand hygiene). The information campaign also advises the people to get prepared for the likely future spread of Influenza A (H1N1) in New Zealand. These preparations can include having sufficient supplies of food, water and medicines at home to cover a period of illness and making childcare arrangements in case some schools may need to close temporarily.

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.

Cruise ship update
The woman who tested positive for Influenza A while on board a cruise ship travelling from Brisbane to Auckland has been cleared of having Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu.

Samples were re-tested at a laboratory in Auckland yesterday. The woman and her close contacts have been advised of this result and are now free to continue with their normal activities.

International Update from the World Health Organization

As of 06:00 GMT, 3 June 2009, 66 countries have officially reported 19,273 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 117 deaths. As at 5am, 5 June, Australia has reported 878 confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, up from 634 at 5am on 4 June.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given on the WHO website. http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_06_03/en/index.html
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 Fran McGrath, 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 (0274) 346 878

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-sixty-050609

kiwibird · Jun 5, 2009

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-sixtyone-050609

Media Release
6.15pm, 5 June 2009

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

Auckland child tests positive for Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu:
Staff and children attending the Tama Ale Eleele A'oga Amata child care centre in Wylie Road, Papatoetoe, South Auckland to be offered Tamiflu and asked to stay in isolation.

A one-year-old child from South Auckland was diagnosed as having Influenza A (H1N1) ?Swine flu? this morning. The child is currently recovering at home.

The child attended the Tama Ale Eleele A'oga Amata child care centre on a number of occasions earlier this week.

This afternoon public health nurses and doctors have visited the family of the child and the day care centre to assess the situation and commence the usual management of the situation. Public health staff will be ensuring swabs have been taken from individuals who are symptomatic and that they are in isolation and being treated with Tamiflu. Public health staff are contacting families who have children at the centre.

Families from the centre may call the Auckland 0800 FLU LINE (0800 358 5463) for further information and advice.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service understands that 37 children are enrolled in the centre and that there are seven staff.

It appears that the child became ill after its family returned from Melbourne on 26 May. Given the time delay between the arrival of the flight and this confirmed case, we are considering what follow-up of passengers on the flight is required.

The Ministry of Health and the Auckland Regional Public Health Service will provide further up-dates on this situation on a regular basis over the weekend.

It?s important that anyone who has returned from overseas in the past seven days and develops influenza-symptoms phones for advice ? don?t turn up at a hospital or medical centre, as this can spread germs to other people. Stay home and phone your doctor or Healthline 0800 611 116 which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for free health advice.

This child care centre will be closed on Monday, and a decision will be made as to whether it will reopen next week.

To protect the privacy of children and their families, media are requested not to photograph families and children at the child care centre.

These comments may be attributed to Dr Fran McGrath (Deputy Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health) and Dr Julia Peters (Clinical Director, Auckland Regional Public Health Service).

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

How to protect yourself and others:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid, or a plastic bag, after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water and dry them thoroughly, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* If you become sick, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
* Reduce time spent in crowded settings.

ENDS

For more information, please call: Ministry of Health National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk +64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (0274) 346 878

Privacy | Copyright | Disclaimer | About Us | Access Keys | Feedback | Contact Us | Employment | newzealand.govt.nz

Total cases confirmed 13

kiwibird · Jun 7, 2009

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

<form action=""><map name="mohmap"><area shape="rect" coords="1,0,131,60" id="mohmaplink1" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf?OpenDatabase" accesskey="1" alt="Go to home page - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="132,0,251,60" id="mohmaplink2" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/whatsnew.html" accesskey="." alt="Whats New - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="252,0,360,60" id="mohmaplink3" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Publications-Index" accesskey="6" alt="Publications - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="361,0,439,60" id="mohmaplink4" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Forums-Index" accesskey="5" alt="Forums - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="439,0,510,60" id="mohmaplink5" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Links-Index" accesskey="8" alt="Links - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="511,0,596,60" id="mohmaplink6" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Contact-Index" accesskey="9" alt="Contact - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="596,0,666,60" id="mohmaplink7" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/About-Index" accesskey="3" alt="About - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="666,0,750,60" id="mohmaplink8" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Search-Index" accesskey="4" alt="Search - Ministry of Health"></map>

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Print this[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Email this[/FONT]

Media Release

2:00pm, Sunday 7 June 2009

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

New Zealand situation

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is 14 (up from 13 yesterday) with another case confirmed.

The new confirmed case is a 46 year old who travelled into NZ from North America on Sunday 31 May and became ill on Tuesday (2 June), confirmed with Influenza A on Friday and confirmed today as Influenza A (H1N1). This person finishes their treatment today and is recovering well at home. This latest case travelled with a previously confirmed case.

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

Acting Clinical Director Auckland Regional Public Health Service Dr Richard Hoskins said it was a great relief that H1N1 had now been ruled out for the lone probable case in the first lot of returned test results from the day care centre.

?We now know that this case has seasonal Influenza A, which is still unpleasant, however we are very relieved they can now be cleared of having H1N1,? said Dr Hoskins.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service is now awaiting test results for a further 24 suspected cases, which will be known tomorrow (Monday 8 June).

As of 12.30pm today, the child care centre situation stands:

Confirmed cases: 1
Probable cases: NIL
Suspected cases: 24

Nationwide, the cumulative total of probable cases is 11. This is unchanged since yesterday.

There are currently 92 suspected cases, up from 68 yesterday. The numbers of suspected cases fluctuate as more people with symptoms are assessed (treated and isolated), and as laboratory testing rules out some suspected cases.

Updated information on the numbers of people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu will be provided on Monday. On Friday, 5 June, there were 66 people in isolation or quarantine. The numbers of people in isolation vary according to when they complete 72 hours of the five-day course of Tamiflu (three days and three nights).

We remain in the 'keep it out' and 'stamp it out' phases. Our priority is to limit the spread of the virus by identifying people who are sick at the border and treating them and close contacts with tamiflu in isolation. We are also identifying and treating individuals who become sick since they've arrived in the country, and their close contacts. This involves considerable work being carried out by public health teams to identify, isolate and treat individuals and their contacts.

All of the cases to date have either been infected overseas or a close contact of a traveller.

By limiting the spread and delaying the transmission of the disease, health authorities aim to delay the spread of the disease in the community. For many people the new disease - Influenza A (H1N1) may be moderate, for a few it will be serious. However the easy spread of the disease means its impact on all New Zealanders may be quite significant as key services and schools could be disrupted if many people were away because of sickness.

While we can't be certain how quickly or how far it may spread, now is the time to ensure we are prepared. That means households, workplaces and schools need to take steps now to prepare.

This is in line with the messages from the World Health Organization. The Ministry's public awareness campaign began yesterday on radio. These messages will be complemented with information in newspapers and at international airports from tomorrow.

International Update from the World Health Organization

The international situation will be updated tomorrow (8 June 2009) as the WHO is not providing updates over the weekend. The situation as reported on Friday - as of 06:00 GMT, 5 June 2009, 69 countries have officially reported 21,940 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 125 deaths.

The Australian situation - as at 5am today, Australia reported 1020 confirmed cases (up from 1009 at the same time the day before). Victoria had 874 cases - more than 85% of Australia's confirmed cases. All Australian states and territories now have at least one confirmed case. (Note: these figures are higher than those reported on the WHO website because of the lag in compiling and checking international figures)

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 186kb]

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

These comments may be attributed to Dr Fran McGrath (Deputy Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health) and Dr Richard Hoskins (Acting Clinical Director, Auckland Regional Public Health Service).

For more information, please call: Paula Martin, Communications Advisor, Northern Region Communications Centre, 021 243 0615, Peter Abernethy, Media Relations Manager, Ministry of Health National Health Coordination Centre, +64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (021) 243 6805

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-sixtythree-070609</form>

artyanne · Jun 8, 2009

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

Re: NZ 14 cases confirmed
Swine flu reaches South Island, gathers momentum in Australia

(Reuters)
Mon, 08 Jun 2009 8:13a.m.

A father and his young son from Kaiapoi have become the South Island's first swine flu victims and take New Zealand's total number of confirmed cases to 15.
But authorities fear there is worse to come, as the number of cases surge across the Tasman.
In a message titled "Pigs can't fly but flu can", public health boss Mark Jacobs has warned family doctors that community transmission here is a matter of "when rather than if".
Australia now has more than 1000 confirmed cases of swine flu, compared to 876 on Friday.
Tiaki Maindonald, seven, from Kaiapoi, just north of Christchurch, was confirmed to have swine flu at about 5pm last night. His father Ash had earlier been confirmed with the H1N1 virus after returning from a two-week business trip to America's west coast on Sunday, May 31.
After seven days in isolation, Mr Maindonald, 50, is due to return to work tomorrow at Kaiapoi Borough School, The Press reported.
Test results are also due back today from 24 people suspected of having the virus after they were exposed to an infected one-year-old at a childcare centre.
The boy returned home from Melbourne on May 26 and spent time at the Tama Ale Eleele A'oga Amata childcare centre in Papatoetoe last week before testing positive for swine flu on Friday.
Centre staff and children have been given Tamiflu and asked to stay in isolation.
New Zealand had a total of 92 suspected cases yesterday, up from 68 on Saturday.
The latest edition of the College of GPs newsletter, ePulse, carries a message from Dr Jacobs, the Health Ministry's director of public health.
"The recent rapid increase in cases in Australia in particular emphasises that community transmission in New Zealand is a matter of when rather than if.
"In the event of sustained community transmission, hospitals already entering the seasonal influenza period would soon be overwhelmed, most people will need to be cared for at home supported by telephone triage, probably through Healthline."
A Health Ministry public-awareness campaign began on radio on Saturday and will be extended to newspapers and international airports today.
Canterbury medical officer of health Dr Alistair Humphrey agreed with Dr Jacobs about the likely spread of the flu in New Zealand.
"Australia went from nothing to basically losing control of the outbreak in a week. That has happened in quite a few countries but it hasn't happened yet in New Zealand.
"By and large we've done a good job at keeping it at bay; we don't have thousands of cases all occurring at one go putting our health services and indeed our businesses under stress."
NZPA

http://www.3news.co.nz/News/Swine-fl...ticleID=107554
__________________
We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. Sir Winston Churchill

New Zealand H1N1 news and response, New Zealand H5N1 pandemic planning and news

How did Christchurch cope in the 1918 influenza Pandemic

kiwibird · Jun 8, 2009

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

<form action=""><map name="mohmap"><area shape="rect" coords="1,0,131,60" id="mohmaplink1" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf?OpenDatabase" accesskey="1" alt="Go to home page - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="132,0,251,60" id="mohmaplink2" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/whatsnew.html" accesskey="." alt="Whats New - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="252,0,360,60" id="mohmaplink3" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Publications-Index" accesskey="6" alt="Publications - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="361,0,439,60" id="mohmaplink4" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Forums-Index" accesskey="5" alt="Forums - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="439,0,510,60" id="mohmaplink5" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Links-Index" accesskey="8" alt="Links - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="511,0,596,60" id="mohmaplink6" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Contact-Index" accesskey="9" alt="Contact - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="596,0,666,60" id="mohmaplink7" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/About-Index" accesskey="3" alt="About - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="666,0,750,60" id="mohmaplink8" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Search-Index" accesskey="4" alt="Search - Ministry of Health"></map>

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Print this[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Email this[/FONT]

Media Release

1.30pm, Monday 8 June 2009

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

New Zealand situation

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is now 17, up from 14 yesterday.

One of the three new confirmed cases is the seven-year-old son of the first Canterbury case, who was a passenger off Air NZ flight NZ5 which arrived from Los Angeles on 31 May 2009. The boy only has mild symptoms of influenza. The family had been in isolation at home after the boy?s father was suspected of having Influenza A (H1N1) and being treated with Tamiflu. The boy?s father is recovering well and his time in quarantine has ended.

The second new confirmed case is a passenger also off flight NZ5 which arrived from Los Angeles on 31 May 2009. The close contacts of this passenger have been followed up and were swabbed, if sick, and all results were negative. Both of the May 31 NZ5 cases are believed to have been separately exposed during their travels.

The third case 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.

The cumulative total of probable cases is 10.

There are currently 103 suspected cases, up from 92 yesterday. The numbers of suspected cases fluctuate as more people with symptoms arriving from affected areas are assessed (treated and isolated), and as laboratory testing rules out some suspected cases.

There are 92 people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu. This is up from 66 on Friday, 5 June, when the last update on this figure was provided. The numbers of people in isolation vary according to when they complete 72 hours of the five-day course of Tamiflu.

Papatoetoe Child Care Centre

Children and staff at Tama Ale Eleele A?oga Amata will complete the five-day quarantine period this week. Public health authorities are working with the Centre?s management to arrange the reopening of the early childhood centre on Thursday, 11 June, if there are no other cases. The Medical Officer of Health, Dr Richard Hoskins, lauded the Centre?s management and staff for their full support and 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. 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

As of 06:00 GMT, 5 June 2009, 69 countries have officially reported 21,940 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 125 deaths.

Australia has so far reported 1051 cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infection.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given in the following table and mapnumber of laboratory confirmed cases and deaths [png 186kb]
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 Mark Jacobs, 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

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-sixtyfour-080609</form>

kiwibird · Jun 9, 2009

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

<form action=""><map name="mohmap"><area shape="rect" coords="1,0,131,60" id="mohmaplink1" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf?OpenDatabase" accesskey="1" alt="Go to home page - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="132,0,251,60" id="mohmaplink2" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/whatsnew.html" accesskey="." alt="Whats New - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="252,0,360,60" id="mohmaplink3" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Publications-Index" accesskey="6" alt="Publications - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="361,0,439,60" id="mohmaplink4" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Forums-Index" accesskey="5" alt="Forums - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="439,0,510,60" id="mohmaplink5" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Links-Index" accesskey="8" alt="Links - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="511,0,596,60" id="mohmaplink6" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Contact-Index" accesskey="9" alt="Contact - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="596,0,666,60" id="mohmaplink7" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/About-Index" accesskey="3" alt="About - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="666,0,750,60" id="mohmaplink8" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Search-Index" accesskey="4" alt="Search - Ministry of Health"></map>

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Print this[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Email this[/FONT]

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

<hr align="left" size="1" width="750"> Privacy | Copyright | Disclaimer | About Us | Access Keys | Feedback | Contact Us | Employment | newzealand.govt.nz

</form> http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-sixtysix-090609

Sally Furniss · Jun 9, 2009

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

kiwibird · Jun 10, 2009

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

Skip Navigation
Print this Email this
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

Privacy | Copyright | Disclaimer | About Us | Access Keys | Feedback | Contact Us | Employment | newzealand.govt.nz

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-sixtyeight-100609

Sally Furniss · Jun 10, 2009

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

kiwibird · Jun 11, 2009

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

<form action=""><map name="mohmap"><area shape="rect" coords="1,0,131,60" id="mohmaplink1" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf?OpenDatabase" accesskey="1" alt="Go to home page - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="132,0,251,60" id="mohmaplink2" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/whatsnew.html" accesskey="." alt="Whats New - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="252,0,360,60" id="mohmaplink3" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Publications-Index" accesskey="6" alt="Publications - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="361,0,439,60" id="mohmaplink4" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Forums-Index" accesskey="5" alt="Forums - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="439,0,510,60" id="mohmaplink5" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Links-Index" accesskey="8" alt="Links - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="511,0,596,60" id="mohmaplink6" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Contact-Index" accesskey="9" alt="Contact - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="596,0,666,60" id="mohmaplink7" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/About-Index" accesskey="3" alt="About - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="666,0,750,60" id="mohmaplink8" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Search-Index" accesskey="4" alt="Search - Ministry of Health"></map>

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Print this[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Email this[/FONT]

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

<hr align="left" size="1" width="750"> Privacy | Copyright | Disclaimer | About Us | Access Keys | Feedback | Contact Us | Employment | newzealand.govt.nz

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-seventy-120609

</form>

Sally Furniss · Jun 11, 2009

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

NZ pandemic plan

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

kiwibird · Jun 12, 2009

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

<form action=""><map name="mohmap"><area shape="rect" coords="1,0,131,60" id="mohmaplink1" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf?OpenDatabase" accesskey="1" alt="Go to home page - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="132,0,251,60" id="mohmaplink2" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/whatsnew.html" accesskey="." alt="Whats New - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="252,0,360,60" id="mohmaplink3" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Publications-Index" accesskey="6" alt="Publications - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="361,0,439,60" id="mohmaplink4" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Forums-Index" accesskey="5" alt="Forums - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="439,0,510,60" id="mohmaplink5" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Links-Index" accesskey="8" alt="Links - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="511,0,596,60" id="mohmaplink6" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Contact-Index" accesskey="9" alt="Contact - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="596,0,666,60" id="mohmaplink7" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/About-Index" accesskey="3" alt="About - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="666,0,750,60" id="mohmaplink8" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Search-Index" accesskey="4" alt="Search - Ministry of Health"></map>

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Print this[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Email this[/FONT]

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

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-seventyone-120609</form>

kiwibird · Jun 13, 2009

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

<form action=""><map name="mohmap"><area shape="rect" coords="1,0,131,60" id="mohmaplink1" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf?OpenDatabase" accesskey="1" alt="Go to home page - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="132,0,251,60" id="mohmaplink2" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/whatsnew.html" accesskey="." alt="Whats New - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="252,0,360,60" id="mohmaplink3" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Publications-Index" accesskey="6" alt="Publications - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="361,0,439,60" id="mohmaplink4" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Forums-Index" accesskey="5" alt="Forums - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="439,0,510,60" id="mohmaplink5" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Links-Index" accesskey="8" alt="Links - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="511,0,596,60" id="mohmaplink6" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Contact-Index" accesskey="9" alt="Contact - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="596,0,666,60" id="mohmaplink7" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/About-Index" accesskey="3" alt="About - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="666,0,750,60" id="mohmaplink8" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Search-Index" accesskey="4" alt="Search - Ministry of Health"></map>

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Print this[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Email this[/FONT]

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

<hr align="left" size="1" width="750"> Privacy | Copyright | Disclaimer | About Us | Access Keys | Feedback | Contact Us | Employment | newzealand.govt.nz

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-seventythree-130609

</form>

Sally Furniss · Jun 13, 2009

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

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.

kiwibird · Jun 14, 2009

Re: NZ Govt Media Releases

<form action=""><map name="mohmap"><area shape="rect" coords="1,0,131,60" id="mohmaplink1" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf?OpenDatabase" accesskey="1" alt="Go to home page - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="132,0,251,60" id="mohmaplink2" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/whatsnew.html" accesskey="." alt="Whats New - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="252,0,360,60" id="mohmaplink3" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Publications-Index" accesskey="6" alt="Publications - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="361,0,439,60" id="mohmaplink4" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Forums-Index" accesskey="5" alt="Forums - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="439,0,510,60" id="mohmaplink5" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Links-Index" accesskey="8" alt="Links - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="511,0,596,60" id="mohmaplink6" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Contact-Index" accesskey="9" alt="Contact - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="596,0,666,60" id="mohmaplink7" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/About-Index" accesskey="3" alt="About - Ministry of Health"><area shape="rect" coords="666,0,750,60" id="mohmaplink8" href="http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/Search-Index" accesskey="4" alt="Search - Ministry of Health"></map>

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Print this[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Email this[/FONT]

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

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-seventyfive-140609</form>

NZ Govt Media Releases

Editor, Senior Moderator

Editor, Senior Moderator

Editor, Senior Moderator

Editor, Senior Moderator

Well-known member

Well-known member

Editor, Senior Moderator

Editor, Senior Moderator

Member

Editor, Senior Moderator

Editor, Senior Moderator

Well-known member

Editor, Senior Moderator

Well-known member

Editor, Senior Moderator

Well-known member

Editor, Senior Moderator

Editor, Senior Moderator

Well-known member

Editor, Senior Moderator