Media Release

27 July 2009

Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update 116

Latest Numbers

There are a total of 2662 confirmed cases of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu, up from 2585.

The number of deaths from Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu has risen by one to 12. The latest death is a woman who died in Middlemore Hospital earlier this month.

Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Fran McGrath said that total deaths due to Pandemic Influenza are those that meet the national definition of death due to Pandemic Influenza. Deaths that the Coroner had referred to also include some deaths where a person had a positive laboratory test, but the cause of death has not yet been confirmed. If pandemic influenza is later confirmed as the cause of death, this death will be added to the national total.

When a person dies in hospital, the responsible clinician is usually able to confirm whether pandemic influenza was the cause of death. When a person dies in the community, or if the cause of death is not clear, the death may be referred to a Coroner to investigate. Such investigations generally take some time.

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

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 are 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 Deputy Director of Public Health Dr Fran McGrath

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