Media Release

18 July 2009

Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update 109

Latest Numbers

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is 2250, up from 2230 yesterday. 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 being tested. This is because for most people, it's a mild illness and they will recover readily at home without needing medical treatment.

The number of deaths from Influenza A (H1N1) 09 swine flu remains at 10. It is important to note that these 10 deaths reported by the Ministry are deaths from swine flu, where swine flu was a primary cause of death.The Ministry will continue to report deaths from H1N1 where it is definitive that H1N1 was the major contributing factor to the person's death. Where people have H1N1 at the time of death, but it is unclear as to whether or not it led to the death, normal pathology and testing procedures will be carried out. This can take a considerable amount of time to determine an outcome.

Australian Situation

For the number of confirmed cases in Australia, go to the Australian Government's Department of Health and Ageing website at: http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf/Content/updates-17july09.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. This is because there is an increasing number of cases in many countries, including New Zealand, which 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 Director of Public Health Dr Mark Jacobs

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

For latest updates on Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu, visit http://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