Influenza A H1N1 Update - Canterbury DHB

DATE: 17 June 2009
SUBJECT: Influenza A H1N1 Update

A screening unit has opened today for contacts of the cluster of Influenza A (H1N1) cases in east Christchurch.

People will be referred to the Unit in Breezes Rd, Aranui by phoning their GP and arranging an appointment. Assessment at the Centre will be by appointment only.

“We hope to find any contacts of people who have had the illness that have not been able to be identified through schools and workplaces,” Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink said.

The Canterbury Primary Pandemic Group’s Dr Phil Schroeder, who is heading the establishment of the Unit said, “people would be assessed by their GP over the phone to see if they fitted the criteria for attending the Unit.” The criteria will include flu-like symptoms and the possibility that they have been in contact with people with Influenza A (H1N1) locally. This will include people from the Pacific community who have had contact with a person with the flu.

Local GP Dr Kim Burgess will be the Clinical Lead for the Centre.

“We are working very closely with the Pacific community to support families that may have the virus. This is a joint effort between our clinical teams and the community,” says Dr Burgess.

Peter Retimanu, Chairman of the Pegasus Health Pacific Reference Group, is supporting the response.

“There is a high degree of anxiety within the Pacific community about this illness. The community has put up its hands to help. The centre will have people who speak the language and support the Doctors and Nurses doing their work.” 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. If anyone knows they are a contact of a person confirmed as having Influenza A (H1N1) and have not been spoken to by health authorities, they should also call Healthline or 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.

For further information about influenza in Canterbury see the website www.fluinfo.org.nz Information is also available on the Ministry of Health website www.moh.govt.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media