Lakes and Bay of Plenty DHBs managing H1N1 risk

Media Release
Friday 29 May 2009

Lakes and Bay of Plenty DHBs have been managing Influenza A (H1N1) risk for five weeks

The joint Bay of Plenty / Lakes DHB Emergency Operations Centre set up to manage the influenza A (H1N1) threat has now been operating for five weeks.

Currently in the Lakes DHB area, there are two suspected cases (with influenza like symptoms) in isolation. There are also four contacts in the Lakes area who are not showing any symptoms and are all in quarantine. There are no suspected cases or contacts in the Bay of Plenty DHB area as at Friday 29 May at 12.00pm.

Despite a low number of suspected cases and/or contacts in the BOP/Lakes region, local DHBs remain vigilant in the face of a potential escalation of the current alert level.

EOC Incident Controller Ray Sutton says a significant amount of work is being done by staff at both DHBs to ensure Bay of Plenty and Lakes DHBs are as prepared as possible.

He acknowledges the hard work being done by staff across the DHBs who are fulfilling their own roles as well as roles in the EOC and also contributing to a significant amount of planning work to ensure the DHBs and hospitals are as well prepared as possible.

“Planning is well underway to ensure Community Based Assessment Centres (CBACS) can be established quickly if needed. CBACs will be used to assess people with flu like symptoms if numbers begin to overwhelm GPs and pharmacies and so that hospitals can be kept safe for people with other non-flu related health issues, “ he says.

Ray Sutton says a significant amount of liaison work is also being done across the district with health providers, government and local body agencies and Maori organisations to ensure the public is informed about the possible impacts of an escalation in alert level and to give the community confidence that the health sector is ready to cope if the situation worsens.

Director of Public Health Dr Mark Jacobs says the number of overseas cases being notified to the World Health Organisation continues to increase. Screening of international flights, which began at the start of the international outbreak of influenza A(H1N1) flu virus continues as part of New Zealand’s efforts to contain the spread of the virus

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. But as more countries report cases and more see local spread of the virus, it will become increasingly difficult to keep influenza A (H1N1) out of New Zealand.

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)

Everyone is reminded to follow the normal precautions to stop the spread of any virus such as thorough hand washing, covering mouths when coughing or sneezing and safe disposal of used tissues.

Members of the public who have any concerns regarding influenza A (H1N1) should contact Healthline (0800 611 116).

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

Recommended Measures to Help Prevent the Spread of Flu

1. Wash your hands
a. By washing your hands with soap under warm running water, you will reduce your chance of getting the flu.
b. 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.
2. Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette.
a. Cover your mouth and/or nose to reduce the spread of germs. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.
3. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
4. Cover your mouth and nose to reduce the spread of germs. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.
5. Monitor your health.
6. If you develop flu-like symptoms when you return to New Zealand, you should seek medical attention immediately. Ring first if possible.
7. Tell the health care provider who sees you that you have been travelling to North America and/or Mexico.

ENDS

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