Media Release

24 August 2009

Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update 142

Latest Numbers

The number of deaths from Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu is 16, following the death of a Waikato woman with underlying medical conditions, in a hospital in Auckland. The family have asked for privacy at this time.

Please note these 16 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.

There are a total of 3106 confirmed cases of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu, up from 3090 on 21 August. 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.

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 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