Swine Flu Update

MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday 6 May 2009 1600 hours

Media Update on Health Response to Influenza A (H1N1) Threat

Lakes and Bay of Plenty DHBs report that there are currently no cases of suspected Influenza A (H1N1) in the two districts. All previous suspected cases in isolation or quarantine have completed their isolation or quarantine period. There are still no confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) in the Lakes or Bay of Plenty areas.

Toi Te Ora Public Health and the two DHBs will continue to closely monitor the situation out of a joint Emergency Operations Centre at Rotorua Hospital, as there is still a need to maintain emphasis on limiting the spread of Influenza A (H1N1) and there could still be more people identified as possible contacts.

Nationally, there is still no evidence of community transmission. That means that to date, all of the cases have recently returned from travelling to affected areas or are close contacts of cases. New Zealand is in the containment phase and Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Fran McGrath, says this is a credit to the health sector and all the agencies working together and importantly, to the many hundreds of New Zealanders who have willingly cooperated with health advice in order to help limit the spread to anyone else.

The Ministry of Health says it is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention by contacting their GP, preferably by phone in the first instance. Members of the public should contact Healthline (0800 611 116) for information regarding the situation.

Everyone is being urged to follow the normal precautions to prevent the spread of influenza bugs such as thorough hand washing, covering mouths when coughing or sneezing and safe disposal of used tissues.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Incident Controller for Joint Lakes and Bay of Plenty Pandemic Planning Committee, Gail Bingham

Recommended Measures to Help Prevent the Spread of Flu

§         Wash your hands

o        By washing your hands with soap under warm running water, you will reduce your chance of getting the flu.

o        Alcohol-based hand gel can also be used if soap and water are not readily available. It’s a good idea to keep some with you in your pocket or purse when you travel.

§         Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette.

o        Cover your mouth and/or nose to reduce the spread of germs. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.

§         Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

§         Cover your mouth and nose to reduce the spread of germs. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.

§         Monitor your health.

§         If you develop flu-like symptoms when you return to New Zealand, you should seek medical attention immediately.  Ring first if possible.

§         Tell the health care provider who sees you that you have been travelling to North America and/or Mexico.

ends

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