NZ over 200 cases confirmed, early limited community transmission

[MHSC]

Swine flu: hunt for passengers from Flight NZ5


28.04.2009
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td valign="top">by Merania Karauria and John Maslin Wanganui health authorities are anxious to contact two local people who arrived back in the country at the weekend from North America aboard the same flight as a group of students thought to have been infected by the deadly swine flu.
Those two are among five locals aboard Air New Zealand flight NZ5 that flew from Los Angeles to Auckland on Saturday. All five then made the connecting flight to the River City on the weekend.
Jo Priestley, communications adviser for the Whanganui District Health Board, said one family of three was under voluntary quarantine, awaiting the outcome of testing of a second group of Auckland students health authorities believe may have been infected with Influenza A - the same family as the deadly swine flu.
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</td> </tr> <tr> <td>[FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-2] [/SIZE][/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">The Wanganui travellers were on the same flight as students from Auckland's Northcote College. The students had been visiting Mexico, where the death toll from swine flu sits at 103. Ten students from Auckland's Rangitoto College have tested positive for Influenza A. They were part of another group that had also been to Mexico and returned via Los Angeles. Two from that group were admitted to hospital - one has been discharged, while the second, a teacher, was treated with Tamiflu.
Another 1600 people in Mexico are sick from the swine flu strain with other cases reported in the United States, Canada, Spain and France.
On Sunday night, New Zealand's health authorities put the alert status for response to a potential influenza epidemic up from white to yellow, a standby phase that is one below the code red response phase.
Ms Priestley said the three locals already contacted "are exhibiting no signs of the virus whatsoever".
"All had gone into voluntary isolation, which is normal, and they are being treated with Tamiflu," Ms Priestley said.
"The key thing to remember is that it hasn't been confirmed that the students had that particular virus, and we don't want people jumping to the wrong conclusions."
She said public health staff were taking a "pretty precautionary approach" for people who had come from affected areas in the past two weeks.
"Because we're being precautionary, if anyone is concerned they should contact their GP. The GP can take swabs and, in consultation with our public health unit, they may actually be offered Tamiflu as well.
"It's all about being cautious at this stage, until we get those results back about the students."
Ms Priestley said there was nothing sinister about voluntary isolation either.
"It's what we advise anyone with the flu to do, anyway - keep the fluids up, contact your doctor and stay away from other people".
Patrick O'Connor, Whanganui Public Health Medical Officer, told the Chronicle the incubation period of the flu was three days, so anyone who was on the onward flight from Auckland with the Wanganui family was not deemed to be at risk.
Dr O'Connor said the district health board was receiving guidance from the Ministry of Health and was monitoring the situation day-to-day.
Dr O'Connor said the H1N1 flu circulated between pigs. Those first infected overseas were likely to have been in close contact with pigs and passed the strain on to others through sneezing.



http://www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz/...localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
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[kiwibird]

NZ 43 cases confirmed, early limited community transmission

NZ 43 cases confirmed, early limited community transmission

http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/swine-flu/2373714/Suspected-swine-flu-cases-at-104

LATEST The number of suspected cases of swine flu in New Zealand has grown to 104 as the World Health Organisation raises the pandemic threat level from swine flu to phase 5.

It comes as the Government moves to establish a "community-based assessment centre", most likely at Middlemore Hospital.

Officials said this morning there was still 13 probable cases of swine flu, with three confirmed by the World Health Organisation. But suspected cases increased to 104.

"The growth in suspect numbers is primarily from close family contacts from passengers on flights," Health Minister Tony Ryall told a press conference today.

Numbers in isolation have also likely increased, with health officials dealing with 101 cases - including whole households - nationwide.

There are 72 isolation cases in Auckland, 16 in Wellington, eight in Nelson, seven in Wanganui. Several other regions have two or fewer cases.

Director General of Public Health Stephen McKernan said a space would likely be established at Middlemore where clinical assessments could be conducted away from the airport.

Treatment could also be given and patients could be put in isolation in the unit.

It is possible other similar centres will be established in other parts of the country.

Mr Ryall said New Zealand had moved to a phase 5.1 in its plan but "this is not an escalation in New Zealand epidemic planning."

He said officials were still working to "contain and mitigate" swine flu.

Mr Ryall said 32 countries had now notified WHO of suspected or confirmed cases of swine flu.

"As you know we are working hard to identify people potentially with swine flu so we can provide them with treatment and support and limit the spread of the flu," Mr Ryall told reporters.

The Health Ministry said at least 10,000 people arrived here from North America each week and all were subject to screening.

Eleven people on a flight that stopped off in Auckland yesterday en route to Australia were taken to hospital, suspected of having the virus.

Five of those were in transit.

Mr Ryall, said the Government had made an order-in-council making non-seasonal influenza a notifiable disease.

While health officials had all the powers they needed at present, this step would mean that there was now a process for notifying health authorities of swine flu.

"Secondly, it is now on the schedule for the Epidemic Preparedness Act, so if there's any need to bring in that Act it's much more straightforward," he said.

The Canterbury District Health Board has set itself up at Christchurch International Airport to help passengers from overseas that are unwell.

The Public Health Association (PHA) praised the response of health officials to the Mexican swine flu.

They had to tread a fine line between unnecessarily isolating people and making sure infected people do not pass the flu on to others, said PHA national executive officer Dr Gay Keating.

"Authorities have got the balance right, and have moved swiftly to prevent this influenza from spreading."

Dr Keating says health bureaucrats tend to get bad press, but an influenza outbreak such of this was a perfect example of how necessary their work was.

 

[kiwibird]

Re: Suspect cases in NZ reach 104

Re: Suspect cases in NZ reach 104

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10569496
FLU FACTS

Annual figures for the various forms of influenza in NZ put the swine-flu alert in perspective:

* 47,700 estimated number who caught influenza between May and September last year.
* 42 per cent had the A strains of virus.
* 58 per cent had the B strains.
* 100 deaths a year are caused directly by flu.
* The number of flu cases and the A/B split vary greatly each year. Last year's flu season was considered moderate.

Considering that last year the hospitals were in gridlock....

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/40846
No room at Christchurch Hospital
Last updated 00:00 13/09/2007


Christchurch Hospital is in "code red gridlock", unable to accept any further patients as winter ailments take their toll on already stretched health services.

A Canterbury District Health Board spokeswoman confirmed today the hospital was full, as it has been several times this winter.

She said the problem related to an influx of patients with flu and respiratory problems and reduced staff numbers through illness.

"We've been having the problem since June, really," the spokeswoman said. "It's been on and off into red gridlock since then."

She said the hospital was in "yellow gridlock" - one stage down from red - on Monday and Tuesday.

The hospital's emergency department was coping, but people with non-urgent illnesses were being advised to see their doctors or visit after-hours emergency clinics.

- NZPA

 

[kiwibird]

Re: Suspect cases in NZ reach 104

Re: Suspect cases in NZ reach 104

http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/suspected-swine-flu-cases-rise-104-2691146

There are now three new confirmed or probable cases of swine flu in New Zealand, taking the country's official total to 16.

All have tested positive for infleunza A and have recently returned from Mexico or the United States.

One is reported to be a child although the Health Ministry says every patient is continuing to recover well.

A further 104 are suspected cases with another 111 in quarantine.

More lab results are expected on Thursday evening.

Health officials have also announced plans to open New Zealand's first community-based assessment centre, or C-back, in Auckland. This will be at a location away from a hospital emergency department where suspected cases can be taken for more appropriate assessment and treatment.

"The growth in suspect numbers is primarily from close family contacts from passengers on flights," Health Minister Tony Ryall told a press conference on Thursday.

"As you know we are working hard to identify people potentially with swine flu so we can provide them with treatment and support and limit the spread of the flu," Ryall says.

All suspect cases are being given the Tamiflu anti viral drug.

The Ministry of Health says all the confirmed cases have so far had only mild flu symptoms, and are on the mend or have recovered.

The World Health Organisation now says a global swine flu pandemic is imminen, and has lifted its alert level to five after confirmation of deaths now in two countries.

The toll in Mexico stands at 159, but the death of a toddler in the United States signals the first fatality outside of Mexico.

Airport screening

There is now screening for at least 10,000 people who arrive in New Zealand every week from North American flights.

People with flu-like symptoms are being pulled aside by health officials at the airport and put into quarantine.

One of these passengers is Australian Lana Coulter who will spend her first night in lock down at an Auckland hotel.

"I'm ok with the waiting I'm more annoyed that I can't actually go out and go for a walk," says Coulter.

She was only meant to be touching down to change flights on her way home to Adelaide, after a work trip to New York.

Now she will be quarantined in New Zealand for three days.

"The number of suspected cases is likely in increase," says Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Fran McGrath.

"While the numbers in any category will fluctuate, this is a pattern to be expected from an influenza outbreak."

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: Suspect cases in NZ reach 104

Re: Suspect cases in NZ reach 104

Swine flu cases rise as screening continues

20:25
Published: 11:45AM Thursday April 30, 2009
Source: ONE News/NZPA

• <!--Spacer--> Read
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There are now three new confirmed or probable cases of swine flu in New Zealand, taking the country's official total to 16.

All have tested positive for influenza A and have recently returned from Mexico or the United States. All 16 are Auckland-based.

One is a child of a passenger, although the Health Ministry says every patient is continuing to recover well.

There are now 111 suspected cases, up from 96 on Wednesday. These are people who have flu-like symptoms, have been to the US or Mexico in the past week and have been tested for influenza A.
There's a third group, a further 121 who are in isolation on the anti-viral drug Tamiflu as a precaution, up from 111.
They include Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn who was put into quarantine at home on Thursday, one day before a scheduled meeting with Prime Minister John Key.
Kokshoorn and his family flew home from a holiday in Hawaii and North America a day before the flight that carried the flu strain to New Zealand. A family member is now taking Tamiflu as a precaution and being tested for influenza A after becoming sick five days later, Kokshoorn says.
"Want to stress I haven't got the flu. I've never been better," he says.
The ministry says its focus is now to "contain and mitigate", border vigilance to keep it out and Tamiflu and isolation to stamp it out.
The next move is to announce on Friday a location for what's called a community assessment centre or c-bac in Auckland, a place where they will take suspected swine flu cases, away from the hospital emergency department. Middlemore is the preferred location as it is close to the airport where all the cases so far have come from.

"The growth in suspect numbers is primarily from close family contacts from passengers on flights," Health Minister Tony Ryall told a press conference on Thursday.
"As you know we are working hard to identify people potentially with swine flu so we can provide them with treatment and support and limit the spread of the flu," Ryall says.
All suspect cases are being given the Tamiflu anti viral drug.
The Ministry of Health says all the confirmed cases have so far had only mild flu symptoms, and are on the mend or have recovered.
The World Health Organisation now says a global swine flu pandemic is imminent, and has lifted its alert level to five after confirmation of deaths now in two countries.

The toll in Mexico stands at 159, but the death of a toddler in the United States signals the first fatality outside of Mexico.

Tamiflu over the counter
And you can buy the drug that's effective against the swine flu without a doctor's prescription from Friday.
Tamiflu is routinely available over the counter every flu season from May to September.
Chemists nationwide have reported a rush in prescription demand for the drug this week.

But officials say over-the-counter access to the drug will be limited.
Tamiflu costs $75 for a course of treatment and needs to be taken within the first 48 hours of symptoms emerging.


http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/suspected-swine-flu-cases-rise-104-2691146

 

[kiwibird]

Re: NZ 16 confimed or probable, 111 suspect

Re: NZ 16 confimed or probable, 111 suspect

http://www.tamiflu.com/taking/default.aspx

TAMIFLU Dosing Schedule
For Flu Treatment:

1. Take 1 dose, twice daily, for 5 days
(see TAMIFLU Dosage chart for dose amount)

For Flu Prevention:

1. Take 1 dose, once daily, for 10 days
(see TAMIFLU Dosage chart for dose amount)

I wonder if three days of tamiflu will just mask symptoms? Will these 200 odd suspects potentially be contagious?

http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/swine-flu/2373697/Scientists-fear-flu-could-mutate
Scientists fear flu could mutate
By RUTH HILL and REBECCA PALMER - The Dominion Post
Last updated 05:00 30/04/2009


Scientists fear swine flu could mutate into a strain resistant to Tamiflu at present the only defence against the deadly virus with a vaccine still several months away.

As the Mexican death toll rose above 150 last night, New Zealand health authorities confirmed 14 definite or probable cases.

Eleven international travellers arriving here from the Americas with suspected swine flu symptoms were picked up at border screening yesterday and put into isolation.

Authorities are still trying to contact 15 passengers from flight NZ1, which carried the infected Rangitoto College pupils from Mexico via Los Angeles on Saturday.

The Government has ramped up its powers to deal with a potential epidemic by making swine flu a "notifiable disease" through a special order-in-council giving it the ability to forcibly quarantine suspected carriers if necessary.

Environmental Science and Research virologist Sue Huang, head of the WHO national influenza centre in Upper Hutt, said swine flu strains were changing so rapidly that there was a threat one could combine with a Tamiflu-resistant virus already in circulation.

"This virus really caught us by surprise," Dr Huang said.

It was vital health authorities took advantage of the fact swine flu had not yet become resistant to the retro-viral drug, she said.

Five cases of Tamiflu-resistant seasonal influenza have been diagnosed in New Zealand in the past nine months. Tamiflu-resistant H1N1 flu strains were becoming more prolific in Hong Kong and the US.

Test swabs for the killer virus are now being analysed at the ESR's Upper Hutt laboratory.

Dr Huang said it usually took about six months to develop a vaccine for a particular strain and "get it on to the shelves".

Health Minister Tony Ryall said the move to make swine flu a notifiable disease was "a precautionary measure".

"It is now on the schedule for the Epidemic Preparedness Act, so if there's any need to bring in that act it's much more straightforward."

Under the 2006 act passed when fears of a bird flu pandemic were at their height the prime minister can grant "special powers" to government ministers, the chief of police and judges.

The Health Ministry is enforcing strict border controls, screening every international flight from affected areas.

The quarantined travellers identified yesterday were initially treated in Middlemore Hospital but were last night in isolation at a hotel.

About 200 people were still in voluntary isolation last night. Those who had no symptoms and had had three days of Tamiflu treatment were expected to leave isolation today

 

[Shiloh]

Re: NZ 16 confimed or probable, 111 suspect

Re: NZ 16 confimed or probable, 111 suspect

Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=aOWHxbZG48NI&refer=australia

New Zealand Regarding 16 People as Having Swine Flu, Up From 14

By Simeon Bennett

April 30 (Bloomberg) -- New Zealand raised the number of people being treated as having swine flu to 16 from 14, and said more than 200 people are suspected of having the virus or are being given medication for flu symptoms.

New Zealand has three laboratory-confirmed cases and 13 probable cases of swine flu, the nation?s health ministry said in a statement on its Web site today. It?s the only nation in the Asia-Pacific to have confirmed cases.

A further 104 people are suspected of having the virus and at least 111 have been isolated with flu symptoms and are being treated with Roche Holding AG?s Tamiflu, the ministry said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Simeon Bennett in Singapore at sbennett9@bloomberg.net
Last Updated: April 30, 2009 05:37 EDT

 

[Sally Furniss]

NZ: Hawke's Bay pupils isolated

NZ: Hawke's Bay pupils isolated

Twenty-seven Hawke's Bay pupils showing flu-like symptoms have gone into isolation - scuttling the gala opening of the school's new arts centre because they were all in the orchestra.

Hastings' Lindisfarne College has sent home or isolated 27 boys and four of teachers who had recently returned from North America.


Medical Officer of Health Caroline McElnay said the decision to isolate them was a precautionary measure after three of the boys developed symptoms following their return to New Zealand on Tuesday.


Dr McElnay said samples had been taken from the boys, who had flu-like symptoms, since their return to Hawke's Bay, They had been isolated and offered Tamiflu. The other boys and teachers who had no obvious flu symptoms, but had been in contact with the sick boys, were spoken to by public health nurses last night, offered Tamiflu and quarantined. Some extra samples were also taken last night

College Rector Grant Lander said while he was very disappointed that quarantining the students - who were all in the school orchestra - had forced the postponement of the gala opening of the school's new auditorium and arts centre. However, he wanted to be supportive and responsible, he said.


Mr Lander said the postponement was going to affect 300 invited guests, but he hoped they would understand the predicament the school was in.


The school hoped to reschedule the event to May 16.


A small number of boys, who were boarders and unable to go home, would be kept in isolation at the school, however the majority of students affected had gone home, Mr Lander said.


Dr McElnay said that the Public Health Unit expected results from all the samples taken to be available over the next few days.


Figures from the Health Ministry last night showed New Zealand had 111 suspected cases seven more than yesterday morning.


"The growth in suspect numbers is primarily from close family contacts of passengers on flights," Health Minister Tony Ryall said.


Deputy director of public health Fran McGrath said people's symptoms were "still around the mild end of the spectrum" for influenza.


SOUTHERN COUNTRIES AT RISK
The World Health Organisation upgraded its pandemic alert from phase 4 to phase 5 yesterday morning, indicating a pandemic was imminent - but said there was no reason to raise a pandemic flu alert to the highest level as the epidemic remained steady.
The World Health Organisation says it is particularly concerned about the impact of swine flu on the Southern Hemisphere as it enters the flu-prone winter season.

Assistant director-general Keiji Fukuda said the swine flu virus had been behaving like a typical influenza virus. As such, it could have a bigger impact on countries that are heading into winter.

In New Zealand, 13 people had tested positive for influenza A by last night, and were considered probable cases.

Nine of them were part of the Rangitoto College group. Another had been on the same April 25 flight NZ1. Two others had been on other flights and a third was a child of one of those passengers.

The number of cases confirmed as swine flu by WHO testing in Melbourne remained at three and at least 121 people were in isolation.

SPECIALIST FLU CENTRES

The Health Ministry announced yesterday that planning was under way to establish a specialist flu-assessment centre.

It would provide space and facilities for those entering the country with flu symptoms to be checked out in isolation.

Director-general of health Stephen McKernan said it would probably be at Middlemore Hospital in south Auckland because it was close to the international airport and had clinical space available.
Assessment centres might eventually be needed in other parts of the country.

In Wellington, Capital and Coast District Health Board spokesman Michael Tull said the board's pandemic planning from the "bird flu era" had identified options for setting up similar facilities.

The board would be investigating those "just in case".

Several areas in the old Wellington Hospital, including wards and offices that had been vacant since the new building opened, could be used.

"For example, the old outpatients area could easily be restored for use as a place to screen patients with flu-like illnesses."

A draft 2005 pandemic planning scheme had identified Somes/Matiu and Kapiti islands as possible quarantine stations. But Mr Tull said the idea "gained no support whatsoever" and there were no plans to quarantine sick people there.

A Wellington Regional Public Health spokesman said most of the 39 Wellington people who had been on flight NZ1 were already out of isolation or due to finish it in the next few days.

They could leave home once 72 hours had passed since they started taking Tamiflu.

Fifteen people in the region were listed as having suspected cases of swine flu last night the second highest number in the country behind Auckland.

Meanwhile, Luis Enrique Franco, of the Mexico Embassy in Wellington, said yesterday the number of WHO-confirmed cases of swine flu in Mexico was only 26 at present, and there had been seven confirmed deaths. The United States had the highest number of confirmed cases, about 40.

"It is also important to remember that worldwide, seasonal flu kills between 250,000 and 500,000 people per year," he said.

Mexico's drug stockpiles were adequate and another 400,000 doses would be entering the country.

- Dominion Post with agencies


http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/swine-flu/2376777/Swine-flu-Bay-pupils-isolated

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: NZ 16 confimed or probable, 111 suspect

Re: NZ 16 confimed or probable, 111 suspect

Isolation numbers spike as flu carriers become non-contagious

Fri, 01 May 2009 2:42p.m.

As swine flu carriers from Air New Zealand flight NZ1 head into the last hours of their contagious status, the number of people being kept in isolation around the country has spiked.

At a media conference in Wellington today, health officials said 401 people were now in isolation as a result of the swine flu outbreak, many of whom were healthy, but had been in contact with others showing signs of influenza.

As of late this morning, there were officially still three confirmed cases and 13 probable cases, while the number of suspected cases had increased from 111 yesterday to 136.

However, Health Minister Tony Ryall said two of the probables were reported to have been cleared for swine flu.

In the meantime another person who had been in contact with infected Rangitoto College students had developed flu-like symptoms.

While figures were constantly changing, Mr Ryall said those initially at the centre of the scare, the Rangitoto group which returned from a trip to Mexico early last Saturday, would be considered non-contagious from early tomorrow, and others on the flight would be in the clear.

Director of Public Health Mark Jacobs said seven people from a Hawke's Bay group, including Lindisfarne College students, had been showing signs of influenza after returning home from North America on Tuesday.

Many more were in isolation because of the situation, but Dr Jacobs said latest information to hand was that two had tested negative for influenza A.

There were about 8000 courses of Tamiflu on pharmacists' shelves heading into today - the first day when over-the-counter sales become available for those showing symptoms of influenza.

Until today it was only available with a prescription. But Mr Ryall said commercial Tamiflu stocks were limited.

"If the shelves become empty, it is likely they will remain empty," he said.

However, New Zealand held 1.25 million emergency Tamiflu courses and the amount used to date was only in the hundreds.

The national stock pile was nevertheless being increased by 10 percent - with another anti-viral treatment in the form of a puffer called Relenza.
"We placed that order solely as a precautionary step."

Officials had also placed an order boosting the supply of seasonal influenza vaccine by 23 percent or 125,000 vaccines.

Meanwhile, director-General of Health Stephen McKernan said plans to set up an isolated influenza assessment centre in the vicinity of Auckland International Airport were still being discussed.

In Mexico the deaths of more than 150 people have been blamed on swine flu, although Mexican health officials say the number of confirmed swine flu cases is only 99, including eight dead.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a Phase 5 outbreak, the second-highest on its threat scale, indicating a pandemic could be imminent.

Thirty-three countries had now notified WHO they had either suspected or confirmed cases of swine flu.

http://www.3news.co.nz/News/Isolati...abid/209/articleID/102170/cat/87/Default.aspx

 

[Sally Furniss]

NZ: Man who arrived in NZ before college group tested for swine flu

NZ: Man who arrived in NZ before college group tested for swine flu

Man who arrived in NZ before college group tested for swine flu


Fri, 01 May 2009 1:10p.m.




Health officials say a man who arrived in New Zealand from Los Angeles over a week before the Rangitoto college group returned has tested positive for influenza A.


His samples have been sent to Melbourne to test for swine flu but he was in New Zealand for nine days before being put into isolation.


Officials are now trying to trace anyone he came into contact with.


According to the latest official figures, there are 136 suspected cases of swine flu in the country - 401 people are in isolation including cabinet minister Nick Smith who has tested positive for influenza A.


Meanwhile the government is boosting its reserve supplies of Tamiflu by 10 percent, and is ordering other anti-viral medication as well.


Pharmacists are bracing themselves for an influx of people wanting to buy Tamiflu today, as it goes on sale over the counter.

http://www.3news.co.nz/News/Nationa...rticleID/102147/Default.aspx?ArticleID=102147

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: NZ: Hawke's Bay pupils isolated

Re: NZ: Hawke's Bay pupils isolated

Students from a second Hastings secondary school have been caught up in the swine flu outbreak.
Twenty-six students and four teachers from Lindisfarne College are in isolation after returning from a music tour through the United States that included time in California.
Hawke's Bay District Health Board says the first of the potentially affected students from the college were identified on Thursday.
By Friday afternoon, 11 students from Hastings Girls, who were on the same tour, voluntarily isolated themselves.
Lindisfarne College rector Grant Lander says the group was put in isolation on the advice of the local health board, and tests were taken from three of the group. Only two of the students are in isolation at the school, the others having been sent home.
Mr Lander says test results taken from some of the students may not be back until next week.
The district health board says all those affected appeared well.
Thousands of people worldwide are being tested for the swine flu virus, or H1N1, which is thought to be responsible for up to 176 deaths in Mexico.


http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/stories/2009/05/01/1245af2deb3d

 

[Sally Furniss]

NZ Environment Minister Nick Smith cleared of swineflu

NZ Environment Minister Nick Smith cleared of swineflu

Environment Minister Nick Smith cleared of swineflu

Nick Smith was cleared of swine flu this afternoon
Fri, 01 May 2009 6:21p.m.

Environment minister, Nick Smith, has been cleared of swine flu after spending the last few days in quarantine.

The minister spent last week on his honeymoon in Asia with new wife, Linley, but went into voluntary isolation upon returning, after coming down with influenza A.

The negative swine flu result was expected as Asia is not considered an area of risk.

Smith last attended cabinet on Monday and no other minister has come down with the flu.

As a precaution Smith began taking Tamiflu the drug that is now being sold over the counter in New Zealand pharmacies.

There are now eight thousand courses of Tamiflu on sale at pharmacies which can be brought without prescription.

The Government have sold Tamilfu to pharmaceutical supplier Roche on a no-return basis, to prevent unnecessary stockpiling.

Inquiries from 3 News have shown that demand has been minimal for the $70 course of 10 tablets.

Ellen McNamara, of Life Pharmacy Manukau, says while many people are worried about the flu, they have only had three people come in today to purchase the drug.

All three of those requests were refused as the customers did not present with flu symptoms.

The Government still has $1.25 million courses in its pandemic stockpile, but Health Minister Tony Ryall says they are stocking up on an alternative drug as a precaution.

“We’re increasing the national stockpile by 10 percent,” says Ryall.

"Officials this morning ordered 125,000 courses of another anti-viral called Relenza."

There are now 136 people with suspected swine flu according to Government officials and 401 people are in isolation and being treated with Tamiflu.

The positive test swabs taken from the flu-carrying Rangitoto students are being used in Australia to develop a new vaccine for future use.

http://www.3news.co.nz/Environment-...bid/423/articleID/102195/cat/857/Default.aspx

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: NZ 16 confimed or probable, 111 suspect

Re: NZ 16 confimed or probable, 111 suspect

Another passenger from the flight that sparked New Zealand's swine flu scare has been confirmed to have the virus, bringing the tally of confirmed cases to four.

Director of Public Health Mark Jacobs said this evening that another passenger from Air New Zealand flight NZ1 - which also carried the Rangitoto College pupils diagnosed with swine flu - had been confirmed as having influenza A (H1N1)

The result was confirmed this afternoon by the World Health Organisation lab in Melbourne.

The passenger - who is not from Rangitoto College - is being treated with Tamiflu and is in isolation at home.

As well as the four confirmed cases, New Zealand also has 12 probable cases, 116 suspected cases and 388 people in isolation.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/swine-flu/2376777/Fourth-swine-flu-case

 

[pablomorgan]

New Zealand A/H1N1 flu confirmed cases rise to four

New Zealand A/H1N1 flu confirmed cases rise to four

WELLINGTON, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Another passenger from the flight that sparked New Zealand's swine flu scare has been confirmed to have the virus, bringing the tally of World Health Organization lab confirmed cases to four.

Director of New Zealand Public Health Mark Jacobs said on Friday evening that another passenger from Air New Zealand flight NZ1 from Los Angles to Auckland - which also carried the Rangitoto College pupils diagnosed with swine flu - had been confirmed as having influenza A/H1N1.

The result was confirmed on Friday afternoon by the World Health Organization lab in Melbourne.

The passenger was being treated with Tamiflu and is in isolation at home.

As well as the four confirmed cases, New Zealand also has 12 probable cases, 116 suspected cases and 388 people in isolation.

The New Zealand government on Friday ordered a new flu-fighting drug and boosted its existing vaccine order as the number of suspected swine flu cases in New Zealand continues to climb.

New Zealand health officials do not plan to stop using the term "swine flu" despite the World Health Organization changing the official name to "influenza A/H1N1".

Health Minister Tony Ryall said at a press conference that it was important to use a term the public understood.

"I've got no intention of changing how I'm referring to it."

Jacobs said the Health Ministry would use the term the WHO asked it to in official communications. But he intended to use language recognized and understood by the wider community when he communicated with them.

Ryall said that the ministry had ordered 125,000 courses of another anti-viral agent, called Relenza, to be added to the government's flu-fighting stock file. It is taken as a puffer, rather than a capsule like Tamiflu.

He said the drug had been ordered as a precaution.

The government had also boosted its seasonal vaccine order by 23 percent to cater to increased demand.

The World Health Organization says it is particularly concerned about the impact of swine flu on the Southern Hemisphere as it enters the flu-prone winter season.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-05/01/content_11294689.htm

 

[sharon sanders]

NZ Cites 136 Suspected Swine Flu Cases, No New Confirmations

NZ Cites 136 Suspected Swine Flu Cases, No New Confirmations

via email -

N.Z. Cites 136 Suspected Swine Flu Cases, No New Confirmations
2009-05-01 03:14:08.318 GMT


(EXT3 <GO> for related stories; {ALLX H1N1 <GO>} for a
tally on swine flu cases.)

By Tracy Withers
May 1 (Bloomberg) -- New Zealand raised the number of
people suspected as having swine flu to 136 from 111, and said
the number of confirmed or probable cases is unchanged.
The country has three laboratory-confirmed cases and 13
probable cases of swine flu, the same as yesterday, Health
Minister Tony Ryall told reporters in Wellington today. For the
purpose of medication, all 16 are treated as having swine flu,
said the health ministry in New Zealand, the only Asia-Pacific
nation with confirmed cases.
Officials are waiting on 12 samples from suspected cases
being tested at the World Health Organization laboratory in
Melbourne and may get more results within the next two to three
days, he said.
At least 121 people have been isolated with flu symptoms
and are being treated with Roche Holding AG?s Tamiflu, Ryall
said. A further 280 family members of suspected victims are also
in isolation, he said

For Related News and Information:
Bloomberg?s swine flu page: EXT3 <GO>
Swine flu Q&A: NSN KIQMXF1A74E9 <GO>
Stories about swine flu: NSE "SWINE FLU" IN HEADLINES <GO>
Today?s most popular health-care stories: MNI HEA <GO>

--Editors: Lena Lee, Jim McDonald

 

[kiwibird]

Re: NZ Environment Minister Nick Smith cleared of swineflu

Re: NZ Environment Minister Nick Smith cleared of swineflu

http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/swine-flu/2379781/Beehive-swine-flu-scare
Beehive swine flu scare
Last updated 05:00 02/05/2009

Dominion Post
'WICKED FEVER': Cabinet Minister Nick Smith tested positive for influenza A but negative for the H1N1 swine flu virus.

The swine flu scare hit the top level of the Beehive, with fears the entire Cabinet had potentially been exposed to the virus.

Environment Minister Nick Smith sparked fears after testing positive to influenza this week before being quarantined in his Thorndon ministerial home.

The Dominion Post has learnt of a second scare after the wife of a top adviser to Pacific Island Affairs Minister Georgina te Heuheu developed flu symptoms after returning from Texas.

But by late yesterday both scares had proved unfounded Dr Smith and the adviser's wife both tested negative for swine flu.

Dr Smith had attended Monday's Cabinet meeting and was in the House on Tuesday before developing symptoms and being isolated later that day. He saw a doctor on Wednesday and testing later showed he did not have the potentially deadly H1N1 swine flu strain.

Dr Smith spent last week in Asia on his honeymoon with wife Linley Newport.

A spokeswoman said there were no other ministers showing signs of flu, and there was no policy for them all to take Tamiflu.

The number of confirmed cases of swine flu in New Zealand has risen from three to four, according to the latest figures from the Health Ministry.

 

[kiwibird]

Re: NZ Cites 136 Suspected Swine Flu Cases, No New Confirmations

Re: NZ Cites 136 Suspected Swine Flu Cases, No New Confirmations

http://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?l=1&t=0&id=36397

9 tests all negative for Influenza A in Nelson Marlborough district
By Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
62 views

MARLBOROUGH

Nine swab results received last night, for Nelson Marlborough people suspected of Swine Flu have all returned negative results for Influenza A.

Nelson Marlborough Medical Officer of Health, Dr Jill Sherwood said, "This is good news, these people are now free to come out of home quarantine and resume their normal daily activities.

"We continue to have new suspect cases identified, there are now seven suspect cases who are travellers who have been in North America and Mexico and display influenza-like symptoms. They are being treated with Tamiflu, have swabs taken for testing and are in home quarantine.

"In addition to these suspect cases the Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service are managing 24 close contacts in home quarantine, with Tamiflu and daily follow-up.

"We really appreciate the cooperation of the people in home quarantine."

If you?re feeling unwell and haven?t travelled in the affected areas in the seven days before becoming ill, do what you?d usually do - there is no cause for concern. Stay home, drink plenty of fluids and take panadol for pain or fever. If necessary phone your doctor for further advice.

However, if you have returned from Mexico or the USA in the past seven days, and start to develop symptoms of influenza you should phone a health professional for further advice as soon as you start feeling unwell.

Anyone wanting more information should call Healthline 0800 611 116.

 

[kiwibird]

Re: NZ Cites 136 Suspected Swine Flu Cases, No New Confirmations

Re: NZ Cites 136 Suspected Swine Flu Cases, No New Confirmations

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-sixteen-010509#content

Media Release
1pm, 1 May 2009

Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Sixteen

Please attribute to Dr Mark Jacobs, Director of Public Health

The WHO now refers to the new influenza virus as Influenza A (H1N1).

New Zealand numbers
This morning's situation report shows there are 13 probable cases and 3 confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu.

In addition there are 136 suspected cases. These are people who have developed symptoms of influenza within seven days of having been in the areas of concern or are close contacts of cases and have symptoms.

In total there are 401 people in isolation and being treated with Tamiflu. This includes suspected cases and people without symptoms who are being isolated as a precaution because they are in close contact with a suspected case.

These numbers will fluctuate as a result of more suspected cases being found, or suspected cases being ruled out.

International situation

http://www.who.int/en/
As at 9am Friday 1 May 11 countries have officially reported 257 cases of Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu infection. The United States Government has reported 109 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Mexico has reported 97 confirmed human cases of infection, including seven deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (19), Germany (3), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (3), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United
Kingdom (8).

Tamiflu for normal seasonal influenza
The current stock of Tamiflu is sufficient to provide cover for 30 percent of the population. An additional 125,000 doses of the antivral drug Relenza have been ordered. Once filled, this will increase the national stock of antiviral drugs by 10 per cent.

No changes to the controls allowing access to Tamiflu are likely in the short term. The Medicines Classification Committee (MCC) which in 2006 recommended that pharmacists be allowed to sell Tamiflu,
required direct consultation in order to ensure the product was only being supplied to patients with influenza.

The controls on supply were placed in order to minimise the risk of inappropriate use to treat other viral infections, reduce the risk of development of resistance to Tamiflu and ensure the product was not being
sold for use in children under 12 years of age. In addition, the MCC were concerned that unless sale to a patient in the pharmacy was required, the risk of the NZ product being purchased from pharmacists by
overseas consumers via the internet, thereby depriving NZ of supplies of Tamiflu, would be unacceptably high. This risk of diversion of supply is especially high during times when there?s heightened public
concern about influenza.

The MCC further considered the requirement for face-to-face consultation to obtain Tamiflu at its meeting in June 2008 and confirmed its earlier position that until more data was available on use in pharmacy and
the factors leading to resistance became clearer, the requirement will remain in place.

Seasonal influenza vaccine
There has been a significant increase in demand for the seasonal influenza vaccine in New Zealand in the past three days. We are increasing the national stock of seasonal influenza vaccine by 125,000 doses.
This is in addition to the 800,000 doses already in stock. Last year the country used 760,000 doses of seasonal influenza vaccine. The influenza vaccine season runs until the end of June.

* 60,000 doses left (from 120,000 available last week).
* Demand usually slows down this time as ?all at risk? are usually vaccinated.
* Pharmac cannot predict demand which should be dying off now but last week demand was twice normal.


Alert levels
The World Health Organisation current level of influenza pandemic alert remains at five.

Phase 5 is characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region. While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.

New Zealand's status is Code Yellow. We are currently in Phase 5.1. New Zealand is not escalating its plan at the moment. Our actions are to limit any spread of Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu that has come to New Zealand. We have taken a precautionary approach from the start.

More information on New Zealand's pandemic plan can be accessed on the Ministry of Health website www.moh.govt.nz

Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Influenza Update 10.30am, Friday 1 May, 2009
Public Health Unit
Definitions:
Suspected
Probable
Confirmed by reference Lab (Confirmed)
Isolation & treated with Tamiflu (Isolated)
Cases currently in hospital (Hospital)

Northland Primary and Community Health
5 Suspected

5 Isolated

Auckland RPH Services
72 Suspected

13 Probable

3 Confirmed

166 Isolated

Waikato PHU
4 Suspected

10 Isolated

Toi Te Ora PHU (BoP, Lakes)
3 Suspected

9 Isolated

Tairawhiti PHU

Hawkes Bay PHU
7 Suspected

47 Isolated

Taranaki PHU
2 Suspected

20 Isolated

Mid Central PHU (MidCentral, Whanganui)
7 Suspected

7 Isolated

Hutt Valley RPH (Wellington / Hutt / Wairarapa)
16 Suspected

55 Isolated

Nelson PHU
11 Suspected

33 Isolated

Christchurch (Chch, West Coast, South Canterbury)
9 Suspected

26 Isolated

Public Health South (Otago, Southland)
23 Isolated


136 Total Suspected

13 Total Probable

3 Total Confirmed

401 Total Isolated


Definitions

* Suspected is all people who display flu symptoms AND have travelled through areas of concern, or are contacts of cases.
* Probable are all suspected cases that test positive for Influenza A ? all these cases are being treated as confirmed for the purposes of treatment.
* Isolation includes all cases and contacts in isolation or quarantine (do not include hospital isolation). This includes many people without symptoms who are being isolated as a precaution because they are in close contact with a suspected case.


Healthline 0800 611 116

ENDS


For further information, please contact Peter Abernethy, Media Relations Manager (04 496 2008, 021 366 111)




newzealand.govt.nz

 

[kiwibird]

Re: NZ Cites 136 Suspected Swine Flu Cases, No New Confirmations

Re: NZ Cites 136 Suspected Swine Flu Cases, No New Confirmations

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-eighteen-020509

Media Release
12.30pm Saturday 2 May 2009

Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Eighteen

Please attribute to Dr Darren Hunt, Deputy Director of Public Health

International situation
As of 2 May (NZ time) WHO reported Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu in 13 countries with 365 cases having been notified.

New Zealand numbers
The most recent situation report at 6pm Friday 1 May shows that there are 12 probable cases who have tested positive to Influenza A, and 4 confirmed cases.

In addition there are 116 suspected cases. These are people who have developed symptoms of influenza within seven days of having been in the areas of concern or are close contacts of cases and have flu-like symptoms.

In total there are 388 people in isolation and being treated with Tamiflu. This includes suspected cases and people without symptoms who are being isolated as a precaution because they are in close contact with a suspected case.

These numbers will fluctuate as a result of more suspected cases being found, or suspected cases being ruled out. Numbers will be updated later this afternoon.

Contact tracing - new probable case in Wellington
These numbers include a Wellington woman who has tested positive for Influenza A (H1N1) after arriving in Auckland from Los Angeles on NZ1 on Sunday 26 April. She then caught a flight to Wellington (NZ405).

Passengers seated in the same row as the woman, and those two rows in front and two rows behind on both flights, are being traced by public health officials. These people will be offered the antivral drug Tamiflu and asked to remain in isolation at home.

Airline Passenger information
Over the next few days airlines will be phasing in more detailed passenger information form for all incoming passengers to complete in case these details are needed for contact tracing in the future.

About 1000 passengers a day arriving from North America are being screened by public health services in Auckland.

Exit screening
At the request of the Niuean Government, New Zealand has agreed to screen passengers on the weekly flight from Auckland to Niue. Niue has recently experienced an outbreak of an influenza-like illness.

Flight NZ1 Saturday 25 April
Seven days have now passed since these passengers arrived in the country. All passengers have completed three days of Tamiflu and isolation will now be able to return to normal life.

Because the case definition is defined as showing symptoms within 7 days of travel to a country of concern we will be interpreting this to mean that from 5.30am on Saturday 2 May we will no longer be specifically following up passengers from NZ1 unless they have developed symptoms in the intervening period, as they would then be outside this seven day window.

Healthline
Calls to Healthline continue to be well above the normal level but are beginning to decline. Yesterday Healthline received 1256 calls, which was 33 percent above the forecast numbers.

People are phoning for advice on a range of topics including travel advice, Tamiflu, masks, influenza vaccine, symptoms of influenza, and self-care for people with influenza.

People are also requesting specific information about the symptoms of swine flu.

At this stage there are no plans to activate the pre-recorded Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu information message.

Seasonal influenza vaccine
125,000 additional doses of the seasonal influenza vaccine have been ordered and PHARMAC was informed last night that stock is secured in Australia and is expected to arrive mid to late next week. The arrival date will be confirmed on Monday.

The 125,000 extra doses is in addition to the 800,000 doses already in stock. Last year the country used 760,000 doses of seasonal influenza vaccine. The influenza vaccine season runs until the end of June.


ENDS

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: NZ Cites 136 Suspected Swine Flu Cases, No New Confirmations

Re: NZ Cites 136 Suspected Swine Flu Cases, No New Confirmations

Wellington has its first probable case of swine flu.

Health Minister Tony Ryall told a briefing on Saturday the person arrived at Auckland on an Air New Zealand from Los Angeles last Sunday and then travelled to Wellington.


Health official said they are now tracing passengers on the April 26 NZ1 flight and a subsequent domestic flight to Wellington who were sitting within two rows either side of the passenger.


The person has tested positive to Influenza A and results of tests for swine flu were due this evening, Ryall said.


New Zealand's total number of confirmed cases remained at four and the number of probable cases at 12 while there are 116 suspected cases, he said.


All of the confirmed cases arrived on the NZ1 flight on April 25.
Officials announced they were also boosting efforts to get better passenger contact information with new locator forms distributed to incoming passengers from affected areas.

Ryall said that following a request from the Niue government, the approximately 110 passengers on the once a week flight to the tiny Pacific Island will now be screened as they left New Zealand.


On Friday official confirmed two people suspected of suffering from swine flu who arrived in New Zealand before last Saturday, have been cleared.


St John Ambulance is preparing to provide operational support during the swine flu outbreak.


New Zealand is operating at a Code Yellow status as part of the Influenza Pandemic Action Plan, which means the ambulance service is in a planning and preparedness phase.


The World Health Organisation alert level is one step away from its highest level.


Meanwhile Mexico voiced hope on Friday it might be getting control of an outbreak of a new flu strain that has killed up to 176 people there, shut down large parts of the country and raised fears of a global epidemic.


The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Mexico's outbreak of the new flu virus may not be as severe as it looked at first, citing many mild cases that are not immediately noticed.


Worldwide, 15 countries have confirmed cases. South Korea confirmed its first case at the weekend, a day after Hong Kong reported the first H1N1 patient in Asia.


Almost all infections outside Mexico have been mild, and only a handful of patients have required hospital treatment.


http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/wgtn-gets-first-probable-h1n1-case-2696141