Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Forty-seven

Media Release
3.30pm, Saturday 23 May 2009
Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Forty-seven

The case numbers in New Zealand remain stable, but the number of overseas cases being notified to the World Health Organization continues to increase.

New Zealand continues its efforts to contain the influenza A (H1N1) swine flu virus and prevent community transmission.

There remains no evidence of community spread of the virus in New Zealand. All of New Zealand's cases had recently returned from travel in affected areas or were close contacts of cases.

Anyone who has recently travelled and is ill, should phone their GP. Anyone who is unwell should not travel. Advice for New Zealanders travelling or living overseas is available on the MFAT website (http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/).

New Zealand Situation

There are no new cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infections in New Zealand. The cumulative total of known past infections remains at nine, with all cases fully recovered. The cumulative total of past probable cases remains unchanged at 10.

There are currently 18 suspected cases - (down one from Friday).

The numbers of suspected cases does fluctuate as more people with symptoms arriving from affected areas are assessed (treated and isolated), and as laboratory testing rules out some suspected cases.

There are no people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu (down from 1 Friday). The numbers of people in isolation vary according to when they complete 72 hours of the five-day course of Tamiflu.

International Update

As of 06:00 GMT, 22 May 2009, 42 countries have officially reported 11,168 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection (up from 11,034 on 21 May), including 86 deaths (up from 85 on 21 May). The number of newly confirmed cases worldwide increased by 134 since the last reporting period (21 May). Mexico has reported 3892 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection including 75 deaths (no change). The United States has reported 5764 laboratory confirmed human cases (up 54), including nine deaths (up 1). Canada has reported 719 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death (no change). Chile has reported 24 laboratory confirmed human cases (up 19), but no deaths. Costa Rica has 20 laboratory confirmed cases and one death (no change)..

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Argentina (1), Australia (7), Austria (1), Belgium (5), Brazil (8), Chile (24), China (11), Colombia (12), Cuba (4), Denmark (1), Ecuador (8), El Salvador (6), Finland (2), France (16), Germany (14), Greece (1), Guatemala (4), India (1), Ireland (1), Israel (7), Italy (10), Japan (294), Malaysia (2), Netherlands (3), New Zealand (9), Norway (3), Panama (73), Peru (5), Poland (2), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (113), Sweden (3), Switzerland (1), Thailand (2), Turkey (2), and the United Kingdom (112).

Regular updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak are available on the WHO website on a regular basis (www.who.int).

ENDS

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