Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update Thirty

New Zealand situation - Updated numbers

The number of confirmed and probable cases reported to the Ministry of Health as at 3.00pm today are:
Five confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) - no change since this morning.
14 probable cases - no change since this morning.
As at 3:00pm today, the number of suspected cases and people in isolation and being treated, as advised to the Ministry of Health are:
75 suspected cases - (no change since this morning.)
The latest figures show 278 people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu, down from 464 yesterday. The decrease is due to the fact that more people have completed the 72-hour quarantine or isolation period.
Numbers of suspected cases, and those receiving treatment and in isolation, will fluctuate when more suspected cases are found, or suspected cases are ruled out.

International Update from the World Health Organization

As of 1800 GMT, 7 May 2009, 24 countries have officially reported 2371 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 1112 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 42 deaths. The United States has reported 896 laboratory confirmed human cases, including two deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (201), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Colombia (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (5), Germany (10), Guatemala (1), Ireland (1), Israel (6), Italy (5), Netherlands (2), New Zealand (5), Poland (1), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (81), Sweden (1), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (32).

Regular updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu outbreak are available on the WHO website on a regular basis.

Safety of pork and pork products

The WHO, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Organisation Mondiale de la Sante Animale (World Organisation for Animal Health) have reissued their joint statement of 30 April 2009 to allay concerns about the safety of pork and pork products (www.who.int).

There is no risk of infection from influenza viruses through eating processed pork or other food products derived from pigs that have been handled in accordance with good hygienic practices.

The NZ Food Safety Authority has also issued a statement on animal influenzas and food safety (www.nzfsa.govt.nz ).

Summary

There is no evidence of community transmission in New Zealand. That means that to date, all of the cases have recently returned from travel in areas of concern or are close contacts of cases. New Zealand remains in the containment phase.

Internationally, there has been an increase in the number of cases and countries affected. The WHO is advising continued vigilance. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

Hygiene is the most important step in preventing the spread of influenza. Washing hands properly, for at least 20 seconds, with soap or an alcohol-based rub and drying hands well is the best way to protect yourself from the spread of germs.

Keep coughs and sneezes covered, and dispose of tissues in a covered, lined rubbish bin. Try to stay a metre away from sick people.

This information can be attributed to Dr Darren Hunt, Deputy Director of Public Health