Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update

21 May 2009 - The case numbers in New Zealand remain stable, however the National Health Coordination Centre continues to support the health sector and wider government agencies to remain vigilant and prepare well in case the situation worsens.

What happens here - and our level of response - is assessed regularly, taking into account cases in other countries, the picture in New Zealand and changes to the virus. We are keeping a close eye on the situation overseas, where the number of cases being notified continues to increase.

New Zealand situation

There are no new cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infections in New Zealand. The cumulative total of known past infections remains at nine, with all cases fully recovered. The cumulative total of past probable cases remains unchanged at 10.

There are currently 18 suspected cases - (down from 21 yesterday).

The numbers of suspected cases does fluctuate as more people with symptoms arriving from affected areas are assessed (treated and isolated), and as laboratory testing rules out some suspected cases.

The number of people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu is nine. The numbers of people in isolation vary according to when they complete 72 hours of the five-day course of Tamiflu. International Update from the World Health Organisation

As of 06:00 GMT, 20 May 2009, 41 countries have officially reported 10,243 cases Influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 80 deaths.

Mexico has reported 3648 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 72 deaths. The United States has reported 5469 laboratory confirmed human cases, including six deaths. Canada has reported 496 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Costa Rica has reported nine laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Argentina (1), Australia (1), Austria (1), Belgium (5), Brazil (8), Chile (5), China (7), Colombia (12), Cuba (3), Denmark (1), Ecuador (1), El Salvador (6), Finland (2), France (15), Germany (14), Greece (1), Guatemala (3), India (1), Ireland (1), Israel (7), Italy (9), Japan (210), Malaysia (2), Netherlands (3), New Zealand (9), Norway (2), Panama (65), Peru (3), Poland (2), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (107), Sweden (3), Switzerland (1), Thailand (2), Turkey (2), and the United Kingdom (102).

The WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A (H1N1) virus.

The WHO recommends that individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travellers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases, including influenza.

Regular updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak are available on the WHO website on a regular basis (www.who.int).