Swine Flu Update 82 - 2pm Sunday 21 June, 2009

Media Release
2pm Sunday 21 June, 2009

Update 82 - Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu

New Zealand health authorities continue efforts today to manage the spread of Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu.

Figures updated from Friday 19 June 2009, show there are now 258 confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu, up from 216 confirmed cases on Friday.

Dr Mark Jacobs, Ministry of Health Director of Public Health says, whilst most cases so far have been mild to moderate, over the coming weeks and months, we will see a big increase in the number of cases. It is inevitable that there will be some more severe cases, like there is every year with seasonal influenza, however, we are well prepared to deal with that.

"If New Zealand has many cases of swine flu overall, like we expect, this will mean an increasing number of people who will face more serious illness."

Dr Jacobs says whilst we don't want people to be alarmed, we do want people to be prepared. Given we are now in the 'Manage It' phase, we will need to focus our health services on those who need them the most - people with more severe illness or who are at risk of severe illness.

"For most people who get infected with Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu, it will be a mild to moderate illness and people should be able to care for themselves at home. However, a person should seek medical care if they develop flu and they have other significant health problems, or if they become more seriously ill (for example, if they experience shortness of breath)."

A 30 year old woman remains in critical condition in Wellington Hospital today with Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu. She has underlying medical conditions.

Latest figures

As at 1pm Sunday 21 June 2009, the cumulative total of confirmed cases was 258. Two hundred and thirteen (213) of these cases have been reported in the past seven days. These figures are broken down by region below:

Northland (0), Auckland (69); Waikato (6); Bay of Plenty/Lakes (4); Gisborne (0); Hawkes Bay (2); Taranaki (0); Wanganui/Palmerston North (1); Wellington (108); Nelson/Marlborough (1); Canterbury (67) and Otago/Southland (0).

The number of probable cases remains unchanged at 17. There are also 728 suspected cases.

International Update from the World Health Organization

International figures from WHO remain the same since 19 June 2009. There are 44287 confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu internationally, including 180 deaths.

What the “manage it”phase means

An important part of this approach includes individuals being prepared to look after themselves at home in the same way they would with ordinary winter flu. Our aim is to ensure hospitals can look after those who develop a more severe illness or suffer from complications because of other existing chronic conditions.

Swabbing and testing to identify the exact type of seasonal influenza will be carried out only to support the management of more serious cases or those who are most vulnerable to develop serious complications.

People who become unwell with any type of influenza will be expected to stay home until they have fully recovered, and call their GP only if they develop more serious illness or if they have underlying medical conditions.

Antiviral drugs will be prescribed only for people with more severe influenza symptoms or at higher risk of developing complications.

For health information and advice, the public should call Healthline 0800 611 116.

For latest updates on Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu: visit www.moh.govt.nz

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ENDS

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