Media Release
2 September 2009
Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update 146
Latest Numbers
There are a total of 3143 confirmed cases of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu, up from 3130 on 31 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 have been tested.
The number of deaths from Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) swine flu is 17. These are deaths where swine flu was a primary cause. Other deaths are being investigated by the Coroner's office.
The number of swine flu cases appears to be abating in New Zealand but the virus will not disappear altogether. It is important people maintain good hygiene habits : covering coughs and sneezes, hand washing and staying at home while sick.
Numbers of people in hospitals with the Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09
As at midday today, a total of seven people are reported to be in hospital with pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 or its complications. DHBs are no longer required to separately report the number of people with pandemic influenza who are in Intensive Care Units (ICU). This is because the numbers are now low and the pressure on ICU beds is reduced.
Healthline Calls
Healthline has continued to receive a high number of influenza-related calls over the past week. The total number of calls answered by Healthline nurses continues to be about 20 percent above normal levels.
GP Consultations
The data below are from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research's (ESR) sentinel general practice surveillance system. It shows that at its peak, the weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rates this year were nearly three times higher than the winter peak experienced in the last two years. The number of ILI consultations continues to decrease.
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
WHO is advising countries in the northern hemisphere to prepare for a second wave of pandemic spread. They advise countries in temperate parts of the southern hemisphere to remain vigilant. International experience has shown that localised "hot spots" of increasing transmission can continue to occur even when the pandemic has peaked at the national level.
WHO is monitoring outbreaks from different parts of the world to make some tentative conclusions about how the pandemic might evolve in the coming months. The clinical picture of pandemic influenza is largely consistent around the world - the majority of patients continue to experience a mild illness, Although the virus can cause more severe and occasionally fatal illness in young and healthy people, pregnant women and those with chronic underlying health conditions, the number of such cases remains small.
The World Health Organization is no longer issuing tables showing the numbers of confirmed cases for all countries.
This is because in many countries, laboratory testing is being carried out on only a small number of people and the numbers of confirmed cases no longer give an accurate picture of spread the spread and extent of the virus. For more information about this reporting change go to the WHO website: http://www.who.int/en/
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