Media Release

16 September 2009

Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update 151

The number of swine flu cases appears to be abating in New Zealand but the virus is still circulating. It is important people maintain good hygiene habits: covering coughs and sneezes, regular hand washing and staying at home while sick.

Latest Numbers

There are a total of 3152 confirmed cases of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu, compared with 3151 on 11 September. 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 where swine flu was a primary cause remains at 17. Other deaths are being investigated by the Coroner's office.

Numbers of people in hospitals with the Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09

As at midday today, only one person was reported to be in hospital with pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 or its complications.

Healthline Calls

The number of influenza-related calls to Healthline has reduced over recent weeks but remains significantly higher than at the same time last year. The total number of calls [of all call types] answered by Healthline nurses is about 15 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. They show 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, although still remains higher than at the same time in previous years.

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

http://www.who.int/en/
In the temperate region of the southern hemisphere (represented by countries such as Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa), influenza activity continues to decrease or return to baseline.

Active transmission persists in tropical regions of the Americas and Asia. Many countries in Central America and the Caribbean continue to report declining activity for the second week in a row. However, countries in the tropical region of South America (represented by countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador, and Venezuela) are reporting increasing levels of respiratory disease. In the tropical regions of Asia, respiratory disease activity remains geographically regional or widespread but the trend is generally increasing as noted in India, Bangladesh, and Cambodia.

In the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere activity is variable. In the United States, regional increases in influenza activity are being reported, most notably in the south eastern states. Most of Europe is reporting low or moderate respiratory diseases activity, but parts of Eastern Europe are beginning to report increases in activity.

Pandemic (H1N1) influenza virus continues to be the predominant circulating virus of influenza, both in the northern and southern hemisphere.


ENDS

Information in this update should be attributed to Dr Darren Hunt, Deputy Director of Public Health

For health information and advice, call Healthline on 0800 611 116

For latest updates on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009, visit http://www.moh.govt.nz

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For media queries related to this update, call the National Health Coordination Centre, Communications Desk at +64 (04) 816 3660 or +64 (021) 243 6805 or email H1N1comms@moh.govt.nz