Mother of Pre-Schooler Joins Confirmed Flu Cases

Mother of Pre-Schooler Joins Confirmed Flu Cases

Another case of Influenza A (H1N1) has been confirmed in Canterbury, bringing the total number of officially reported cases to 19 in the region.

The 40 year-old woman is the mother of one of the children from Tino e Tasi Pre-School, Christchurch, who was confirmed as having Influenza A (H1N1). Up to 40 contacts of the woman are being followed up today, by Canterbury District Health Board’s Community and Public Health team, at her workplace, Sea Products Ltd, Woolston.

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Alistair Humphrey said,” the company had been extremely co-operative in allowing the team to talk to staff who had been in contact with the women. Those at risk of having the illness are being given Tamiflu and asked to isolate themselves at home for three days.”

Burnside High School has also identified more teachers and pupils that it was felt needed to be included in Community and Public Health’s treatment and isolation process, following confirmation last week of one of its pupils having Influenza A (H1N1). About 27 people have been given Tamiflu and asked to isolate themselves at home, in addition to the 50 teachers and pupils who were identified last week.

Anyone who has been overseas in the last four days and is unwell with flu-like symptoms should call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or phone a GP. For further information about influenza in Canterbury see the website www.fluinfo.org.nz.

ENDS

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