More Confirmed Canterbury Flu Cases

More Confirmed Canterbury Cases Affect Schools and Businesses

Thirteen more cases of Influenza A (H1N1) have been confirmed in Canterbury tonight bringing the total number of officially reported cases to 31 in the region.

“All cases have stemmed from a single case who had been in Victoria, Australia in early June,” Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Alistair Humphrey said.

The cases include six pupils from three schools in Christchurch’s eastern suburbs. Canterbury District Health Board’s Community and Public Health Team have been tracing contacts of the cases tonight and will continue tomorrow.

Employees from two Canterbury workplaces have also been confirmed as having Influenza A (H1N1). Contacts of each of these people are still being traced and when identified will be provided with Tamiflu and advised to remain isolated in their homes for three days.

A Minister in a Samoan Church and an employee of Christchurch Hospital’s catering team have also been confirmed as having Influenza A (H1N1). “Contacts of the Minister are being traced but the catering team member had not been to work during the infectious stage of the illness,” Dr Humphrey said.

There have also been three more confirmed cases amongst family members who had been isolated with confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1).

“Everyone has co-operated fully with the Community and Public Health team in their work. This is a highly contagious disease and once someone who is infected is amongst other members of the community, including students and workmates, it is inevitable others will get sick,” he said.

“The message to everyone in our community is stay at home if you’re sick. This should be what people normally do but it is especially important to try and prevent the spread of this bug to which none of us are immune. While most people do not become seriously unwell with Influenza A (H1N1), its potential effect on our businesses, schools and community is starting to show itself.”

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.

The symptoms of the new influenza A (H1N1) virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people who have been infected with this virus have also reported diarrhoea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, in rare instances overseas severe illness and death have occurred. The World Health Organisation says you will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and non-seasonal influenza A (H1N1) without medical help.

For further information about influenza in Canterbury see the website www.fluinfo.org.nz

ENDS

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