Media Release

11 July 2009

Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update 102

The number of confirmed deaths in New Zealand from Novel Influenza A (H1N1), swine flu, has risen to seven, up one since yesterday.

The latest death is a Taranaki man, who died last week and has tested positive for Novel Influenza A (H1N1). He had an underlying medical condition.

Latest Numbers

The cumulative total of confirmed cases of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) 09 swine flu stood at 1555 yesterday. This figure will not be updated over the weekend as the system for gathering and collating it is undergoing scheduled maintenance.

The cumulative total of confirmed cases by region is no longer being reported because the actual number of cases of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) 09 will be significantly higher, as only a small proportion of people with symptoms are now being tested. This is because for most people it's a mild illness and they will recover readily at home without needing medical treatment.

Australian situation

For the number of confirmed cases in Australia, go to the Australian Government's Department of Health & Ageing website:
http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf/Content/updates-12july09.htm

International Update from the World Health Organization

The World Health Organization is no longer issuing tables showing the numbers of confirmed cases for all countries, because an increasing number of cases in many countries, including New Zealand, is making it extremely difficult to confirm laboratory testing in an accurate and timely manner. For more information about this reporting change go to the WHO website: http://www.who.int/en/.

ENDS

Information in this update can be attributed to Dr Darren Hunt, Deputy Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health.

For health information and advice, visit www.moh.govt.nz or call Healthline 0800 611 116

For latest updates on novel Influenza A (H1N1) 09 - Swine Flu, visit www.moh.govt.nz

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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 or email H1N1comms@moh.govt.nz