Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu) – Update

Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu) – Update 180

The overall level of influenza activity in New Zealand continues to be low, with some local variation, as would be expected at this time of year. The number of people visiting a GP with influenza-like illness continues to remain below baseline levels.

The number of people calling Healthline (0800 611 116) for advice relating to influenza is relatively stable.

Primary care report there has been strong demand for seasonal influenza vaccine, and immunisation rates are higher than they were at this time last year.

Weekly consultation rates for influenza-like illness in New Zealand, 2008-2010

Week 14: 5 - 12 April

*A weekly rate of less than 50 ILI consultations per 100,000 patient population is considered baseline activity. A rate of 50-249 is considered indicative of normal seasonal influenza activity, and a rate of 250-399 indicative of higher than expected influenza activity. A rate of over 400 ILI consultations per 100,000 patient population indicates an epidemic level of influenza activity.

Source: Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Influenza Weekly Update 2010/14

International situation

As at 9 April 2010, WHO reports it is continuing to actively monitor the progress of the pandemic. The current situation is largely unchanged since the last update, with the most active areas of transmission being in parts of Southeast Asia, West Africa, and in the tropical zone of the Americas. Pandemic influenza activity remains low in most of the temperate areas of the northern and southern hemispheres.

Since the pandemic began in April 2009, almost all countries have experienced outbreaks of pandemic influenza and over 17,700 laboratory-confirmed deaths have been reported worldwide.

For the WHO’s latest updates on the global pandemic, check their website: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/

ENDS

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