Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update 142
Latest Numbers
The number of deaths from Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu is 16, following the death of a Waikato woman with
underlying medical conditions, in a hospital in Auckland. The family have asked for privacy at this time.
Please note these 16 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.
There are a total of 3106 confirmed cases of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu, up from 3090 on 21 August. These
are people who have returned a positive laboratory 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. This is because for most people, it's a mild illness and they will recover readily at home without needing
medical treatment.
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 WHO reports that transmission of the pandemic influenza (H1N1) 09 virus is declining globally, especially in
temperate regions of the southern hemisphere (with the exception of South Africa). The virus continues to spread in the
northern hemisphere, although areas first affected by the virus are seeing less activity. Tropical areas are seeing a
peak in pandemic influenza cases at a time when the usual seasonal influenza peaks would occur. The WHO warns of the
risk of further spread in highly populated areas as community spread begins in Asia and Africa.
The H1N1 virus is now the dominant influenza strain is most parts of the world, and is expected to remain so during the
coming northern hemisphere influenza season.
ENDS