New Zealand situation - Updated numbers
The number of confirmed and probable cases reported to the Ministry of Health as at 10.00am today are:
- Five confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) - no change since this morning.
- 14 probable cases - no change since this morning.
As at 3:00 pm today, the number of suspected cases and people in isolation and being treated, as advised to the Ministry of Health are:
- 76 suspected cases - no change since this morning
- The latest figures show 464 people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu, up from 358 yesterday. The increase is accounted for by passengers arriving in Auckland from areas of concern and reporting flu-like symptoms. These passengers have been treated with Tamiflu and put in isolation, and their close contacts have been quarantined.
Numbers of suspected cases, and those receiving treatment and in isolation, will fluctuate when more suspected cases are found, or suspected cases are ruled out.
Additional anti-viral supplies
The Ministry has confirmed the supply of 135,000 courses of Relenza (zanamivir), an inhaled treatment for influenza infection. The Relenza supplies will be added to the national stockpile of antivirals, which includes 1.2 million treatment courses of Tamiflu.
Deputy Director of Public Health Dr Darren Hunt said supplies of Relenza were ordered as an alternative to Tamiflu and to increase our supplies.
"For people needing treatment, Relenza may be preferable. For example, as it is inhaled, it would be more useful for anyone unable to take oral medication."
The Ministry also cautioned New Zealanders about purchasing stocks of Tamiflu over the internet. There are no guarantees of their safety, efficacy or authenticity.
Anyone needing Tamiflu for either seasonal influenza or Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu can get it through the health system. People who need Tamiflu because of exposure to Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu (i.e. they have symptoms as a result of either travel to affected areas within the last seven days or close contacts of cases) will have Tamiflu prescribed through public health services at no cost.
Anyone with seasonal influenza can have Tamiflu prescribed after assessment by their pharmacist or medical practitioner and pay the over-the-counter cost for the prescription.
International Update from the World Health Organization
There has been no change since the WHO issued its update at 1600 GMT, 6 May 2009, when it reported 1893 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection in 23 countries.
Regular updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu outbreak are available on the WHO website on a regular basis www.who.int
In summary
There is no evidence of community transmission in New Zealand - that means that to date, all of the cases have recently returned from travel in affected areas or are close contacts of cases. New Zealand remains in the containment phase.
Internationally, there has been an increase in the number of cases and countries affected. The WHO is advising continued vigilance. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.
Hygiene is the most important step in preventing the spread of influenza. Washing hands properly, for at least 20 seconds, with soap or an alcohol-based rub and drying hands well is the best way to protect yourself from the spread of germs.
Keep coughs and sneezes covered, and dispose of tissues in a covered, lined rubbish bin. Try to stay a metre away from sick people.
This information can be attributed to Dr Darren Hunt, Deputy Director of Public Health
ENDS
For further information, please call the Ministry of Health National Health Coordination Committee Communications Desk +64 (04) 816 3660
