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New Zealand situation
The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is now 12, up from 11
yesterday.
The new confirmed case is a passenger off Air NZ flight NZ5 which arrived from
Los Angeles on 31 May 2009. This person and their close contacts are now in
isolation at home and being treated with Tamiflu.
The cumulative total of probable cases is now 11, up from 10 yesterday. Details
about the new probable case will be provided once that information comes to
hand.
There are currently 58 suspected cases, down from 66 yesterday. The numbers
of suspected cases fluctuate as more people with symptoms arriving from affected
areas are assessed (treated and isolated), and as laboratory testing rules out
some suspected cases.
There are 66 people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu.
This is up from 63 yesterday. The numbers of people in isolation vary according
to when they complete 72 hours of the five-day course of Tamiflu.
We are watching with concern the rapid increase in the number of confirmed
cases in Australia, particularly in the state of Victoria and in some Melbourne
schools. The continuing rise in the number of overseas cases notified to the
World Health Organization and the sudden increase in the number of confirmed
cases in our closest neighbour make it increasingly difficult to keep influenza
A (H1N1) out of New Zealand.
The Ministry of Health will be reinforcing messages on reducing the spread
of influenza through a public information campaign that starts this Saturday.
Radio and newspaper advertisements, posters at airports and billboards will
outline the practical steps that people can take to reduce the spread of winter
viruses including influenza. These steps include staying home if unwell and
increasing personal hygiene (covering coughs and sneezes and hand hygiene).
The information campaign also advises the people to get prepared for the likely
future spread of Influenza A (H1N1) in New Zealand. These preparations can include
having sufficient supplies of food, water and medicines at home to cover a period
of illness and making childcare arrangements in case some schools may need to
close temporarily.
Anyone who has recently travelled overseas and is ill with influenza symptoms
is advised to phone their GP or Healthline (0800 611 116) for medical advice.
Cruise ship update
The woman who tested positive for Influenza A while on board a cruise ship travelling
from Brisbane to Auckland has been cleared of having Influenza A (H1N1) swine
flu.
Samples were re-tested at a laboratory in Auckland yesterday. The woman and
her close contacts have been advised of this result and are now free to continue
with their normal activities.
International Update from the World Health Organization
As of 06:00 GMT, 3 June 2009, 66 countries have officially reported 19,273
cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 117 deaths. As at 5am, 5 June,
Australia has reported 878 confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection,
up from 634 at 5am on 4 June.
News is included on the IvyRose website to inform visitors
about current health issues, but not to endorse any particular view or activity.
Any views expressed iin the article above are not necessarily those of IvyRose
Ltd.. Material in this news item was released by the New Zealand based source
listed below on 5 June 2009
and may have been edited (e.g. in style, length, and/or for ease of understanding
by our international readers) for inclusion here. For further information, please
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