Media Release

14 October 2009

Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update 155

The rate of Pandemic Influenza infections is continuing to decrease in New Zealand, however it is still circulating.

As at midday today one person is in hospital with confirmed swine flu (H1N1) 09 or its complications – down from four last week.

The cumulative total of people in New Zealand who have returned a positive laboratory test for swine flu (H1N1) 09 is 3175, up one from last week

The number of deaths from Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) swine flu is unchanged from last week at 18. Some deaths are still being investigated by the Coroner.

Vigilance

While Pandemic Influenza case numbers are decreasing people should still remain vigilant to the signs and symptoms of the disease and seek medical advice if the person who is sick is pregnant or obese or has underlying medical conditions such as respiratory disease, heart disease, liver disease, blood disorders, is immuno-suppressed or has a neurological condition.

If someone has flu-like symptoms and their condition worsens, you should seek medical advice straight away. Healthline provides free medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Healthline 0800 611 116.

Healthline Calls

The percentage of callers to Healthline with influenza-like symptoms continues to decline and is at a rate similar to last year.

GP Consultations

Figure 1:ESR Sentinel Surveillance of GP consultations for ILI by week during 2007, 2008 and 2009 (Reporting to week 40 for 2009 (which ended at 2400hrs on Sunday, 4/10/09)

The number of GP consultations based on a sample of sentinel practices, continues to decline and is only slightly higher than at the same time in the last two years.

The data is from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research's (ESR) sentinel general practice surveillance system.

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/

ENDS

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 (021) 243 6805 or email H1N1comms@moh.govt.nz