kiwibird
Editor, Senior Moderator
Seven Burnham soldiers struck down by swine flu
The Press
Last updated 05:00 03/07/2009
Seven soldiers at Burnham Military Camp in Canterbury have been diagnosed with swine flu.
Infected soldiers living on the base have been isolated in their barracks, while the other sick soldiers have been sent home for seven days.
Four of the men serve in the same unit.
Army spokeswoman Jane Mortlock said it was not known how the soldiers became infected with the virus.
"Some live out of camp, but also they're travelling a lot with exercises."
The camp had been "proactive" by reminding staff about hygiene and having hand sanitiser and face masks available, Mortlock said.
Meanwhile, Christchurch Hospital was yesterday treating six patients with swine flu, including a nine-year-old girl. Another 17 patients have winter flu.
To date, 29 patients treated in Christchurch hospitals have been confirmed as having swine flu, including two who needed intensive care.
Canterbury medical officer of health Dr Ramon Pink said he did not yet know how many of those admitted to hospital with serious complications from swine flu had other medical conditions.
However, a New York study had found between 30 per cent and 50 per cent of swine-flu patients who were ill enough to need hospital treatment had previously had no underlying medical issues, he said.
A national hospital surveillance system would monitor the situation in New Zealand.
A total of 214 Canterbury people, including three in Kaikoura, have been confirmed as having swine flu, or the H1N1 influenza A virus.
The number is likely to be an underestimate as only a sample of patients including the first to arrive at Christchurch's flu centre each day are tested.
Dr Phil Schroeder, who heads the Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group, said the virus had spread to rural Canterbury, and flu centres had been opened in Kaikoura, Hurunui, Ashburton and Akaroa, in addition to Christchurch. Flu centres were also planned for the Selwyn and Waimakariri areas.
"These flu centres are designed to cope with increased demand for assessment of flu symptoms and to allow general practices, after-hours surgeries and the emergency department to continue to treat people who do not have influenza," Schroeder said.
WHAT TO DO
Most people with influenza are expected to manage at home with rest, plenty of fluids, paracetamol and support from those close to them.
Those concerned should call the Canterbury flu line on 0800373037. An appointment can be made at one of the region's flu centres if necessary.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/2561037/Seven-Burnham-soldiers-struck-down-by-swine-flu
The Press
Last updated 05:00 03/07/2009
Seven soldiers at Burnham Military Camp in Canterbury have been diagnosed with swine flu.
Infected soldiers living on the base have been isolated in their barracks, while the other sick soldiers have been sent home for seven days.
Four of the men serve in the same unit.
Army spokeswoman Jane Mortlock said it was not known how the soldiers became infected with the virus.
"Some live out of camp, but also they're travelling a lot with exercises."
The camp had been "proactive" by reminding staff about hygiene and having hand sanitiser and face masks available, Mortlock said.
Meanwhile, Christchurch Hospital was yesterday treating six patients with swine flu, including a nine-year-old girl. Another 17 patients have winter flu.
To date, 29 patients treated in Christchurch hospitals have been confirmed as having swine flu, including two who needed intensive care.
Canterbury medical officer of health Dr Ramon Pink said he did not yet know how many of those admitted to hospital with serious complications from swine flu had other medical conditions.
However, a New York study had found between 30 per cent and 50 per cent of swine-flu patients who were ill enough to need hospital treatment had previously had no underlying medical issues, he said.
A national hospital surveillance system would monitor the situation in New Zealand.
A total of 214 Canterbury people, including three in Kaikoura, have been confirmed as having swine flu, or the H1N1 influenza A virus.
The number is likely to be an underestimate as only a sample of patients including the first to arrive at Christchurch's flu centre each day are tested.
Dr Phil Schroeder, who heads the Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group, said the virus had spread to rural Canterbury, and flu centres had been opened in Kaikoura, Hurunui, Ashburton and Akaroa, in addition to Christchurch. Flu centres were also planned for the Selwyn and Waimakariri areas.
"These flu centres are designed to cope with increased demand for assessment of flu symptoms and to allow general practices, after-hours surgeries and the emergency department to continue to treat people who do not have influenza," Schroeder said.
WHAT TO DO
Most people with influenza are expected to manage at home with rest, plenty of fluids, paracetamol and support from those close to them.
Those concerned should call the Canterbury flu line on 0800373037. An appointment can be made at one of the region's flu centres if necessary.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/2561037/Seven-Burnham-soldiers-struck-down-by-swine-flu