Swine Flu – caution and concern, but not alarm

Update 9

Swine Flu – A cause for caution and concern, but not alarm

Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Jacobs, confirmed this morning that to date there are ten probable cases and 56 people being treated for suspected Swine Flu in New Zealand.

Samples taken from the 10 Rangitoto College Students who had tested positive for Influenza A have been sent to a World Health Organisation laboratory in Melbourne for testing for H1N1 Swine Flu. Results are expected by the end of this week.

Around the country 56 people who have travelled in the affected areas, returned to New Zealand and have symptoms of influenza have been assessed by a health professional, offered Tamiflu and tested for Influenza A. They have been asked to stay in isolation at home as a precaution.

There were a total of 356 people on board Air New Zealand Flight NZ1 which arrived in Auckland from Los Angeles on Saturday morning, 25 April. All but 18 people who disembarked from that flight have been contacted and offered the anti-viral Tamiflu and asked to stay in home isolation. Contact details are unavailable for the remaining 18 passengers who are likely to be travelling around New Zealand and should contact a health professional or their local public health system.

Anyone who has returned from Mexico or North America in the past two weeks, and develops influenza symptoms should phone a health professional. It’s important that they don’t just turn up at a medical centre. They should phone a doctor’s surgery first and seek detailed advice on what they should do.

Anyone wanting more information call Healthline 0800 611 116.

Test results for three people from Northcote College who travelled on Flight NZ5 returned negative results to Influenza A, so no further follow up is taking place with passengers from that flight.

At a media briefing this morning, the Minister of Health, Tony Ryall stressed that Swine Flu is a cause for caution and concern, but not alarm.

Director General of Health, Stephen McKernan, said the Ministry of Health was encouraging a cautious approach. “Auckland DHB public health staff met seven flights returning from the affected area yesterday and examined 14 passengers. None of these people were considered to have symptoms of influenza. The border activity is ongoing,” he said.

Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Jacobs said it’s important for people to realise that if they have a cold or an influenza-like illness, there’s no reason to be overly concerned unless they have recently returned from the affected areas of Mexico or North America. “They should look after themselves as they usually would, with plenty of fluids, stay away from work if you’re unwell and take panadol for pain or fever.

“The most important thing we can do to protect ourselves is regular and effective hand washing. When coughing or sneezing cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Afterwards promptly dispose of the tissue and wash your hands.

Keep your hands away from your mouth, nose, ears and eyes (mucous membranes that can let the virus in to your body through your airways or eyes).

Symptoms of influenza include:

• Sudden onset of illness
• Fever above 38 degrees Celsius
• Fatigue
• Muscle pains
• Runny nose/cough/sore throat

In some cases, people also have vomiting and diarrhoea.

Dr Jacobs said the vaccination for seasonal influenza is unlikely to protect you from swine influenza. “However, I would encourage people to have an influenza immunisation as it’s something they can do to help themselves stay healthy.” Dr Jacobs said.

ENDS

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