9 September 2009
Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update 149
Latest Numbers
There are a total of 3150 confirmed cases of Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 swine flu, compared with 3146 on 7 September.
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
have been tested.
The number of deaths from Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) swine flu where swine flu was a primary cause is 17. Other deaths
are being investigated by the Coroner's office.
The number of swine flu cases appears to be abating in New Zealand but the virus is still circulating. It is important
people maintain good hygiene habits: covering coughs and sneezes, regular hand washing and staying at home while sick.
Numbers of people in hospitals with the Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09
As at midday today, only one person was reported to be in hospital with pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 or its
complications.
Healthline Calls
The number of influenza-related calls to Healthline has reduced over recent weeks but remains significantly higher than
at the same time last year. The total number of calls [of all call types] answered by Healthline nurses is about 15
percent above normal levels.
GP Consultations
The data below are from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research's (ESR) sentinel general practice
surveillance system. It shows that at its peak, the weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rates this year
were nearly three times higher than the winter peak experienced in the last two years. The number of ILI consultations
continues to decrease, although still remains higher than at the same time in previous years.
Australian Situation
For the number of confirmed cases in Australia, go to the Australian Government's Department of Health and Ageing
website at:
http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf/Content/updates
International Update from the World Health Organization http://www.who.int/en/
The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises evidence from multiple outbreak sites demonstrates that the H1N1 pandemic
virus has rapidly established itself and is now the dominant influenza strain in most parts of the world. The pandemic
will persist in the coming months as the virus continues to move through susceptible populations.
Close monitoring of viruses by a WHO network of laboratories shows that viruses from all outbreaks remain virtually
identical. Studies have detected no signs that the virus has mutated to a more virulent or lethal form.
Likewise, the clinical picture of pandemic influenza is largely consistent across all countries. The overwhelming
majority of patients continue to experience mild illness. Although the virus can cause very severe and fatal illness,
including in young and healthy people, the number of such cases remains small.
While these trends are encouraging, large numbers of people in all countries remain susceptible to infection. Even if
the current pattern of usually mild illness continues, the impact of the pandemic during the second wave could worsen as
larger numbers of people become infected.
WHO is advising countries in temperate parts of the southern hemisphere to remain vigilant. As experience has shown,
localized “hot spots” of increasing transmission can continue to occur even when the pandemic has peaked at the national
level. Countries in the northern hemisphere are advised to prepare for a second wave of pandemic spread. Countries with
tropical climates, where the pandemic virus arrived later than elsewhere, are also advised to prepare for an increasing
number of cases.
ENDS