NZ Swine flu tally 507 a considerable underestimate

[Sally Furniss]

Swine flu tally expected to surge

There are 643 suspected cases, many could be confirmed cases once backlogs of tests are analysed There are 643 suspected cases, many could be confirmed cases once backlogs of tests are analysed

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 8:55a.m.

The tally of swine flu cases in New Zealand is expected to surge today as the Ministry of Health processes a backlog of test results.

Director of Public Health Mark Jacobs said there were 216 confirmed cases of the virus yesterday, unchanged from Friday.

There were 643 suspected cases, many of whom could become confirmed cases once the backlog of test results is entered into the ministry's tracking system today.

A woman described as morbidly obese and having respiratory problems, remains in a critical condition in Wellington Hospital as she battles the H1N1 virus.

She is being kept in isolation in the hospital's intensive care unit and is one of three patients and two nurses at the hospital with swine flu.

Most of the confirmed cases were in the three main cities.

On Friday, Health Minister Tony Ryall announced a switch in policy to control community-level spread. Previously, the strategy had been one of containment.

"Our focus is now moving to helping those people in the community that have the illness.

The Ministry of Health also announced that people with swine flu would be (edited to add no ) longer routinely be given Tamiflu, with medical officers instead dosing only the seriously ill.

http://www.3news.co.nz/News/Swine-f...rticleID/109405/Default.aspx?ArticleID=109405

 

[dr kockosh]

Re: NZ Swine flu tally expected to surge

Re: NZ Swine flu tally expected to surge

can't see the point in giving antivirals only to the critically ill - if they were administered early the patient may never have become critically ill. Best practice would still be to administer early to all flu cases- not wait for confirmation. the problem is the gov't has not stockpiled enough antivirals while they were available.

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: NZ Swine flu tally expected to surge

Re: NZ Swine flu tally expected to surge

this is the wording from moh

" the new Influenza A (H1N1) virus presents a slightly higher risk to those with some existing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, severe asthma and other severe respiratory illnesses.

Most people will be able to care for themselves at home without the need for medical attention. However, a person should seek medical care if they develop flu and they have other significant health problems, or if they become more seriously ill (for example, if they experience shortness of breath).

Antiviral drugs (Tamiflu and Relenza) can be effective in treating the illness and reducing the severity of the disease particularly if treatment is started within the first 48 hours from when symptoms occur, and their use is being limited to people with more severe illness or who are at higher risk of developing more severe illness."

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-eighty-one-200609

 

[kiwibird]

Re: NZ Swine flu tally 258

Re: NZ Swine flu tally 258

The number of confirmed cases of swine flu in New Zealand was 258 on Sunday, up from 216 on Friday.

The Ministry of Health has just released its latest figures with 213 of the confirmed cases being reported in the past seven days.

Director of Public Health Mark Jacobs says while the majority of cases so far have been mild or moderate, it's inevitable there will be some more severe cases.

He says ultimately there will be some deaths, as there are every year from seasonal flu.

Dr Jacobs says the Health Ministry's focus is still on the change from slowing down the spread of the H1N1 virus to managing its impact.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/stories/2009/06/21/1245b656472f
A 30-year-old woman remains in a critical condition in Wellington Hospital as a result of swine flu.

The woman, who has underlying medical problems, has been in the hospital's intensive care unit since Friday.

Copyright ? 2009 Radio New Zealand

 

[dr kockosh]

Re: NZ Swine flu tally 258

Re: NZ Swine flu tally 258

Swine flu mutation, drug resistance feared



The Press


Last updated 05:00 22/06/2009
Share

Swine flu may become resistant to Tamiflu if it mingles with one of this season's influenza strains, experts warn.
World-renowned Canterbury virologist Dr Lance Jennings said one of the two strains of seasonal influenza circulating this year was resistant to Tamiflu.
It was possible this resistant strain would mutate with the influenza A (H1N1) virus and affect Tamiflu's ability to medicate swine flu, Jennings said.
"Viruses do mutate ... The only thing we can do is be prepared."
If swine flu became resistant to Tamiflu, New Zealand had stocks of another drug, Relenza, that could combat influenza, he said. Relenza was developed before Tamiflu and its chemical makeup made it tougher for viruses to develop resistance.

"If A (H1N1) became resistant to Tamiflu, that would be bad. But the worst-case scenarios are Avian flu mutating, so it can spread between humans, or the swine flu developing into a more deadly form," Jennings said.
Environmental Science and Research virologist Sue Huang, head of the World Health Organisation national influenza centre in Upper Hutt, also voiced concerns.
"Viruses are notoriously unpredictable and strains change constantly ... if there was mixing of the novel virus with other A/H1N1 strains circulating, such as in a person infected with both strains, the novel virus could take on resistant characteristics," she said.

Seriously ill swine flu patients flocked to Canterbury's new influenza centre over the weekend. More than 142 people had visited the Christchurch assessment centre since it opened on Friday. All were "reasonably or seriously" unwell, with symptoms such as high fever, rasping coughs and breathing problems, centre managers said.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Health said a rise in cases of serious illness was inevitable. The number of confirmed cases nationwide is 258 an increase of 42 since Friday. More than 200 of those cases had been reported in the past week, mainly in the three major cities.

Last night Canterbury had 67 confirmed cases. However, there was only one other case in the Nelson-Marlborough region in the South Island.
Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group co-ordinator Phil Schroeder said the screening centre was seeing only those with more serious flu symptoms.
Concerned Cantabrians had been calling the free information and triage line, meaning only those who needed to see a doctor came to the centre, he said.
A 30-year-old woman remained in a critical condition in Wellington Hospital last night with swine flu, and underlying medical problems.

Ministry of Health director of public health Dr Mark Jacobs said while most cases had been mild to moderate, over the coming weeks and months there would be a big increase in the number and severity of cases
People who did not have serious symptoms should stay at home and leave health services for those who needed them most.
If you think you have swine flu, ring 0800 373



As i have said before the NZ govt has only stockpiled tamiflu and recently aquired 125,000 courses of relenza - which won't go far - at this point in time relenza is available thru private sector at Lee and Hart pharmacy in warkworth nth of auckland. they will post it to you - you will need a presciption from your Dr - to get this - you will need to be showing symptoms or be planning an overseas trip. Worthwhile taking with you incase the much expected tamiflu resistant mutation is aquired - hospitals all full and you are basically on your own.

 

[tropical]

Re: NZ Swine flu tally 258

Re: NZ Swine flu tally 258

#5: "Environmental Science and Research virologist Sue Huang, head of the World Health Organisation national influenza centre in Upper Hutt, also voiced concerns.
"Viruses are notoriously unpredictable and strains change constantly ... if there was mixing of the novel virus with other A/H1N1 strains circulating, such as in a person infected with both strains, the novel virus could take on resistant characteristics," she said."


Pure truth.

Why than in the actual seasonal flu season there is instaurated a policy of roamings instead of closures and isolations?

A kind of resistant wave2 production russian rullete game ...

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: NZ Swine flu tally 258

Re: NZ Swine flu tally 258

Health officials say they are expecting a massive rise in the number of H1N1 flu cases over the coming weeks.


There are currently 258 confirmed cases in New Zealand and 728 suspected cases.


The Ministry of Health says although most cases have been mild to moderate, it's likely some severe cases may emerge, given this happens with ordinary seasonal flu in winter.


A 30 year old woman, who has underlying medical conditions, remains in a critical condition in Wellington Hospital with swine flu.


Meanwhile, a swine flu centre was opened in Christchurch at the weekend to cope with the spread of the virus in the Canterbury region.


Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group Leader Doctor Phil Schroeder says the services have been very busy throughout the weekend and more call centre staff will be boosted from Monday.


He says it's likely flu centres will also be set up at Burwood and Princess Margaret Hospitals as swine flu case numbers increase.


Doctor Schroeder says all rural districts will be opening mini versions of the flu centre also.
http://tvnz.co.nz/health-news/health-officials-expect-massive-rise-in-h1n1-2792046

 

[kiwibird]

Re: NZ Swine flu tally 303

Re: NZ Swine flu tally 303

<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>

<!-- these are extra accessability keys not in the graphic menu above-->

<!--PICOSEARCH_SKIPALLSTART-->[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Print this[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Email this[/FONT]<!--PICOSEARCH_SKIPALLEND-->
​

Media Release

1.30pm, 22 June 2009



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

New Zealand now has more than 300 confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infection, with the majority of people experiencing relatively mild to moderate symptoms. The number of confirmed cases in New Zealand, as in the rest of the world, has risen rapidly.

There is no need for alarm, but there is a need to prepare to manage this influenza in the community.

Health authorities are well-prepared in the event the outbreak becomes more severe. We had prepared for this since four years ago and our response will remain coordinated and thorough.

We expect the numbers will continue to rise as the pandemic continues over coming months. The virus is expected to cause many more infections than are seen with seasonal or ordinary winter flu because most people have no or little immunity to it.

The vast majority who contract this flu are experiencing relatively mild to moderate symptoms. Most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalisation or medical care.

Influenza can cause more severe symptoms for some people. A person should seek medical care if they develop flu and have other significant health problems, or if they become seriously ill (for example, if they experience shortness of breath).

As the virus continues to spread through our communities, individuals and communities can help limit the spread of infection through good personal hygiene. This includes covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, washing your hands frequently with soap and water, and cleaning hard surfaces like door handles frequently. If you are sick, stay home until you have fully recovered as you can easily spread the germs to others.

Health authorities are keeping a close eye on the spread and the behaviour of the virus through the national surveillance system of the Institute for Environmental Science and Research (ESR).

General information on the signs and symptoms of the new influenza, and advice on limiting the spread of infection and how to care for yourself at home are available on the Ministry of Health website (www.moh.govt.nz). Health information and advice can also be accessed through Healthline 0800 611 116.

Latest numbers

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is 303, up 45 from 258 yesterday. The number of probable cases remains unchanged at 17. The number of current active cases reported in the past seven days is 219.

A 30-year-old woman with Influenza A (H1N1) infection remains in critical condition at Wellington Hospital. She has an underlying health condition.

Most of the 45 new confirmed cases are in the following regions:

• Auckland ? 22 cases
• Wellington ? 10 cases
• Bay of Plenty ? 9 cases

The cumulative total of confirmed cases by region are:
Northland (0); Auckland (91); Waikato (9); Bay of Plenty/Lakes (13); Gisborne (1); Hawkes Bay (2); Taranaki (0); Wanganui/Palmerston North (1); Wellington (118); Nelson/Marlborough (1); Canterbury (67) and Otago/Southland (0).

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



<table class="outline" border="1"> <tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="255">As at 1200hrs 22 June 2009</td><td bgcolor="#c0c0c0" width="89">Confirmed</td><td bgcolor="#c0c0c0" width="89">Probable</td><td bgcolor="#c0c0c0" width="89">Suspected</td><td bgcolor="#c0c0c0" width="88">Number of confirmed H1N1 cases reported in past 7 days*</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#c0c0c0" width="255">Northland</td><td width="89">

0​

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

0​

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

25​

</td><td width="88">

0​

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#c0c0c0" width="255">Auckland </td><td width="89">

91​

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

10​

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

441​

</td><td width="88">

56​

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#c0c0c0" width="255">Waikato </td><td width="89">

9​

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

0​

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

16​

</td><td width="88">

7​

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#c0c0c0" width="255">Bay of Plenty/Lakes </td><td width="89">

13​

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

5​

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

72​

</td><td width="88">

10​

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#c0c0c0" width="255">Tairawhiti DHB</td><td width="89">

1​

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

0​

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

3​

</td><td width="88">

1​

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#c0c0c0" width="255">Hawkes Bay </td><td width="89">

2​

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

1​

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

8​

</td><td width="88">

1​

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#c0c0c0" width="255">Taranaki </td><td width="89">

0​

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

0​

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

4​

</td><td width="88">

0​

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#c0c0c0" width="255">Wanganui/Palmerston North</td><td width="89">

1​

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

0​

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

10​

</td><td width="88">

0​

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#c0c0c0" width="255">Wellington</td><td width="89">

118​

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

1​

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

135​

</td><td width="88">

51​

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#c0c0c0" width="255">Nelson Marlborough </td><td width="89">

1​

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

0​

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

2​

</td><td width="88">

1​

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#c0c0c0" width="255">Canterbury</td><td width="89">

67​

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

0​

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

16​

</td><td width="88">

92​

</td></tr> <tr valign="top"><td bgcolor="#c0c0c0" width="255">Otago/Southland</td><td width="89">

0​

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

0​

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

1​

</td><td width="88">

0​

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

303​

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

17​

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

733​

</td><td width="88">

219​

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

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme

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

The fewer people who contract seasonal influenza, the fewer hospitalisations will occur. The people most at risk of complications are those who are in the group eligible for the free programme. The programme has been extended until the end of September 2009. If more of this group are vaccinated, it means there will be a better chance of being able to deal with the increasing numbers of people likely to be hospitalised with complications from Influenza A (H1N1).

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

Advice for workplaces

It is business as usual for most workplaces. Staff should stay home only if they have flu-like symptoms or if they have received medical advice to stay home.
How to protect yourself and others

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

Be prepared ? at home and in the workplace

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

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



For health information and advice, the public should call Healthline 0800 611 116.

For latest updates on Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu, visit www.moh.govt.nz

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/minhealthnz

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



ENDS





http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/influenza-a-h1n1-update-eighty-three-220609</form>

 

[kiwibird]

Re: NZ Swine flu tally 386 a considerable underestimate

Re: NZ Swine flu tally 386 a considerable underestimate

Lab-confirmed cases of swine flu nearing 400

Updated at 7:00pm on 24 June 2009

The Ministry of Health says the number of laboratory-confirmed cases of swine flu has risen again on Wednesday.

A total of 386 cases of swine flu have been confirmed in New Zealand, up 22 from Tuesday.

Health authorities are no longer testing for swine flu, so the tally is a considerable under-estimate of the actual number of cases in the community.

Wellington has the largest number of people who still have swine flu, with 101 current cases. Christchurch has 68 current cases and Auckland 65.

Authorities are no longer distinguishing between swine flu and seasonal flu as they focus on managing the most serious cases of both in the community.

Copyright ? 2009 Radio New Zealand
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/stories/2009/06/24/1245b6849658

 

[kiwibird]

Re: NZ Swine flu tally 417 a considerable underestimate

Re: NZ Swine flu tally 417 a considerable underestimate

Swine flu spreads in Nelson-Marlborough region

Updated at 10:52am on 26 June 2009

The Nelson-Marlborough District Health Board says new cases of swine flu confirmed on Thursday shows the top of the South Island now has community spread of the virus.

The board confirmed four new cases of the flu, three in Nelson and one in Blenheim. Only one of the four had travelled overseas recently.

Two of the swine flu cases are students at Nelson Boys College.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Ed Kiddle says all four are recovering at home.

Official figures from the Ministry of Health on Thursday showed at least 233 people have swine flu throughout New Zealand and 417 have contracted the virus since the outbreak began.

However routine testing is no longer being carried out in the main centres so the figures are an under-estimate.

Copyright ? 2009 Radio New Zealand

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/stories/2009/06/26/1245b6a1de5e

Not yet showing on Govt Media Releases

 

[kiwibird]

Re: NZ Swine flu tally 507 a considerable underestimate

Swine flu cases on the rise
Last updated 16:16 27/06/2009
Share
Print
Text Size
0 comments
Relevant offers

The total number of swine flu cases in New Zealand has jumped more than 50 overnight to 507, the Ministry of Health says - and the largest region with infected patients is Wellington.

Wellington reported 173 cases, followed by Auckland, 140, then Canterbury which has 128 people with the virus.

The Waikato comes in at a distant forth with 21, followed closely by Bay of Plenty/Lakes, with 20.

Hawke's Bay, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Nelson and Marlborough are tied with six cases each.

Northland has five people with the illness, and Gisborne and Taranaki have just one case each.

Otago and Southland have so far escaped anyone contracting the virus.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has reported 59,814 cases of influenza A(H1N1) in 105 countries, with 263 deaths so far.

The assessment reflects the fact that most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalisation or medical care, Ministry of Health's deputy director of public health Darren Hunt said.

-NZPA
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/2545917/Swine-flu-cases-on-the-rise