Media Release
5 August 2009
Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update 125
Efforts by the health sector to treat influenza and delay its spread in New Zealand communities, continues.
As reported by the Ministry yesterday, the number of people visiting their GP with influenza-like illnesses has slightly decreased in recent days, but it remains unclear as to whether this will be a temporary dip or not.
Deputy Director of Public Health Dr Fran McGrath says people who have influenza-like symptoms which worsen, should phone for medical advice. Symptoms which may require further medical advice include difficulty breathing or chest pain, a high temperature, drowsiness, severe vomiting or a cough with blood or green phlegm
"Pregnant women and people with heart problems, lung conditions, and some other medical conditions are at greater risk of severe illness from influenza and should also seek medical advice early if they have flu-like symptoms."
Latest Numbers
The total number of confirmed cases of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu is 2893, up from 2872 yesterday.
The actual number of cases of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 will be significantly higher, as only a small proportion of people with influenza symptoms are being tested, to better inform their treatment.
The number of deaths from Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu remains unchanged at 14. It's important to note these 14 deaths reported by the Ministry are deaths from swine flu, where swine flu was a primary cause of death.
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/
Information in this update should be attributed to Dr Fran McGrath, Deputy Director of Public Health
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
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/minhealthnz
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