Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu The situation Human cases of non-seasonal Influenza A (H1N1) 'swine flu' resulting from human to human transmission, initially identified in Mexico, have been confirmed in New Zealand and many other countries around the world. A new virus The response WHO declaration Moving from 'contain it' to 'manage it' More information in this section A new virus Because this virus is new, people have no immunity to it so it will spread more quickly and widely than the seasonal flu. The pandemic situation could mean lots of people become sick at the same time and this could have a big impact on our day-to-day lives, and place considerable pressure on the health services. Back to top The response In response the Ministry of Health, health authorities and other Government agencies are implementing the New Zealand Influenza Pandemic Action Plan, as well as following international developments and advice from the World Health Organization (WHO). Back to top WHO declaration The WHO has declared an influenza pandemic and has raised the level of alert from phase five to six. Phase six is the highest phase and means there is global spread of the virus, but it does not say anything about the severity of the disease. So far, around the world, Influenza A (H1N1) 'Swine Flu' has produced mild to moderate symptoms in most people. Back to top Moving from 'contain it' to 'manage it' The spread of the H1N1 virus in our communities means the focus of health services is moving from a 'contain it' to a 'manage It' phase. Back to top More information in this section 'Manage it' phase Travel health Flu centres National Health Coordination Centre (NHCC) Action Plan and Planning Assumptions Legislation Back to top Website feedback We welcome your feedback on this page. Page last updated: 20 July 2009

Current alert status: Code Yellow (what does this mean?) New Zealand situation: Read the latest updates on the New Zealand situation - Media updates. International situation: Read the latest updates on the international situation see the World Health Organization's (WHO) website. You can also track the progress of Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu on the FluTracker website.