Media Release
16 August 2009
Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update 136
Latest Numbers
The total number of confirmed cases of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu is unchanged from yesterday's figure of
3038.
These are people who have returned a laboratory positive test for pandemic influenza (H1N1) 09. The actual number of
cases of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 will be significantly higher, as only a small proportion of people with symptoms
are being tested to better inform their treatment. This is because for most people, it's a mild illness and they will
recover readily at home without needing medical treatment.
The number of deaths from Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu remains unchanged at 14. It's important to note these
14 deaths reported by the Ministry are deaths from swine flu, where swine flu was a primary cause of death. Other deaths
are being investigated by the Coroner's office.
Australian Situation
For the number of confirmed cases in Australia, go to the Australian Government's Department of Health and Ageing
website at:
International Update from the World Health Organization
The World Health Organization is no longer issuing tables showing the numbers of confirmed cases for all countries.
This is because there are an increasing number of cases in many countries, including New Zealand, which is making it
extremely difficult to confirm laboratory testing in an accurate and timely manner. For more information about this
reporting change go to the
WHO website: http://www.who.int/en/
ENDS
Information in this update should be attributed to Dr Mark Jacobs, Director of Public Health
For health information and advice, the public should call Healthline 0800 611 116
For latest updates on Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu, visit http://www.moh.govt.nz
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