Media Release

21 August 2009

Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update 141

Latest Numbers

There are a total of 3090 confirmed cases of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu, up from 3086 yesterday. These are people who have returned a positive laboratory test for pandemic influenza (H1N1) 09. The actual number of cases of Pandemic Influenza (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 Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu is 15. Please note these 15 deaths reported by the Ministry are deaths from swine flu, where swine flu was a primary cause of death. Other deaths are being investigated by the Coroner's office.

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 WHO reports that transmission of the pandemic influenza (H1N1) 09 virus is declining globally, especially in temperate regions of the southern hemisphere (with the exception of South Africa). The virus continues to spread in the northern hemisphere, although areas first affected by the virus are seeing less activity. Tropical areas are seeing a peak in pandemic influenza cases at a time when the usual seasonal influenza peaks would occur. The WHO warns of the risk of further spread in highly populated areas as community spread begins in Asia and Africa.

The H1N1 virus is now the dominant influenza strain is most parts of the world, and is expected to remain so during the coming northern hemisphere influenza season.


ENDS


Information in this update should 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

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/minhealthnz

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

Please note that the Ministry will no longer be providing routine daily media updates at the weekend. The next planned media update will be issued on Monday 24th August 2009.