Swine Flu – Papatoetoe child care centre results

Northern Regional Health Coordination Centre

5.00pm Saturday 6 June 2009

Influenza A (H1N1), Swine Flu – Papatoetoe child care centre test results

Just one out of 13 results in a probable case of Influenza A (H1N1).

Just one of thirteen swabs taken, from close contacts of a child enrolled at Tama Ale Eleele A’oga Amata child care centre – a confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1), has resulted in just one probable case.

This means it is confirmed as positive for Influenza A, further testing will confirm if it is in fact H1N1. A further 11 swabs will be processed overnight.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) continue to work with staff and families of children enrolled at the Papatoetoe child care centre today after a one-year-old boy, who attends the centre, tested positive for Influenza A (H1N1) yesterday.

The child returned to New Zealand on a flight from Melbourne with his family on May 26.

Staff members and families of the child care centre have been contacted, assessed and treated.

Follow-up continues with the remaining home visits tomorrow; those with flu-like symptoms are being swabbed, given Tamiflu and isolated.

As of 5.00pm today (6 June 2009), the situation stands:

Confirmed cases: 1
Probable cases: 1
Suspected cases: 11

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service understands there are 37 children enrolled at the centre, plus seven staff.

Families from the centre should call the Auckland 0800 FLU LINE (0800 358 5463) if they have any concerns or want further information.

It is important that anyone who has returned from overseas in the past seven days and develops influenza-like symptoms, phones for advice. Do not turn up at a hospital or medical centre, as this can spread germs to other people.

Stay home, phone your doctor, or Auckland 0800 FLU LINE (0800 358 5463), or the 24/7Healthline 0800 611 116 for free health advice.

Signs and symptoms of influenza include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhoea and vomiting.

How to protect yourself and others

Hand hygiene is still the single most effective measure in protecting yourself.

Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing.

Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.

Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette. This means covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; then dispose of the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid, or plastic bag.

Try to avoid contact with sick people and reduce time spent in crowded settings.
If you become sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours – whichever is longer.

This is to keep you from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

ENDS

© Scoop Media