Media Release

8 August 2009

Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update 128

Latest Numbers

The total number of confirmed cases of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu is 2935, up from 2916 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.

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.

ENDS

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Information in this update should be attributed to Dr Mark Jacobs, Director of Public Health

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