Media Release
24 July 2009
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Swine Flu – Update 115
The Ministry of Health’s Principal Medical Advisor today reassured New Zealanders that health services continue to provide quality care despite the increasing pressure on GPs and hospitals from the rising number of swine flu cases.
“The Ministry is regularly monitoring the situation and is working closely with district health boards and clinicians to manage the combined pressures brought on by the outbreak of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus and seasonal influenza,” Dr David Galler said.
“We expect our health services will remain under pressure for some time yet as the pandemic virus continues to spread in our communities. But the system is coping well and we are working with the sector to ensure issues about capacity and capability are managed appropriately,” he noted.
“DHBs, for their part, are working together and sharing resources to ensure the needs of patients are met.”
Dr Galler noted that “some Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are already working at full capacity and some people who have become seriously ill after contracting the pandemic virus have been prioritised over some non-urgent surgery.”
The vast majority of New Zealanders who had swine flu experienced mild to moderate symptoms. Most of them recovered without requiring medical attention within a week from the onset of symptoms. However, a small proportion have gone on to develop more serious illness, and this is likely to remain the pattern.
Latest numbers
New Zealand now has 2585 laboratory-confirmed cases, up 60 from 2525 yesterday.
The level of illness would be much higher than the number of laboratory-confirmed cases reported daily. Testing is now done only in the management of severe cases. Also, many people with swine flu are able to look after themselves at home and do not need to see their GP.
There have now been 11 deaths in New Zealand linked to the pandemic. All who have died had underlying health conditions. Seventy-two people are currently in hospital after contracting the virus, with 23 of those in intensive care.
ENDS
For health information and advice, call Healthline on 0800 611 116
For latest updates on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009, visit http://www.moh.govt.nz
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For media queries related to this update, call the National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk at +64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (21) 243 6805 or email H1N1comms@moh.govt.nz