20 people in home quarantine in Nelson Marlborough district

Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service are now following up 10 people from Flight NZ1 as well as eight people from Flight NZ5.

This group includes the three people mentioned in a media release earlier today. There are a further two travellers from Mexico or United States who entered New Zealand during the past two weeks who are also being followed up.

NMPHS District Manager, Peter Bassett said, "The Public Health Service is currently doing cluster control work, tracing people from these flights. The 20 people identified so far are across the Nelson Marlborough district and are in home quarantine until further notice.

"People in this group who display influenza like symptoms are being assessed and monitored in their homes. Public Health are taking swabs from this group for analysis."

Mr Bassett said, "We are pleased with the level of response from passengers from flight NZ1 and NZ5."

Travellers from the US and Mexico who have influenza like symptoms should see their GP or contact Healthline (0800 611 116). The GP will then contact Public Health to follow up. This follow up will include taking swabs for identification. Treatment may include home isolation, Tamiflu, bed rest and fluids.

Mr Bassett said, "If people who have not been in the US or Mexico have influenza like symptoms then this is probably a seasonal influenza that should be treated in the normal manner with bed rest, fluids, paracetemol and self management unless symptoms are severe or prolonged."

For further information go to www.nmdhb.govt.nz or www.moh.govt.nz

 

Human Swine Influenza (am) - 27 April 2009

NMDHB is currently monitoring the national and international information coming in regarding the human swine influenza outbreak.

Yesterday the Minister of Health announced that the country was in Code Yellow which is a heightened state of awareness and border management.

NMDHB is prepared for Pandemic and has been training for the past three years to manage an outbreak of influenza and has adequate stocks of Tamiflu for this outbreak.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr Jill Sherwood said the DHB was prepared to activate an Emergency Operations Centre, and is preparing staff and services along with service providers and will be monitoring the local situation and liaising with the Ministry.

She said Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service is currently following up three people who were on the flight NZ1 and were close contacts of the school party on the flight.

"These three people contacted public health and identified themselves. They are currently in voluntary home quarantine and are being offered tamiflu as prophylaxis," said Dr Sherwood.

Swabs from any of these contacts who are symptomatic will be taken today and sent for analysis. The results of these tests would be delivered within the next three days.

All passengers from the flight NZ1 are being assessed for symptoms and if positive, will be treated as suspect cases.

Members of the public who have travelled to Mexico or North America in the last fortnight should contact Healthline (0800 611 116) for information regarding the situation. They should seek medical advice if they are displaying flu-like symptoms.

Dr Sherwood said, "At present we are concentrating on traveller returning from Mexico and the United States."

ENDS

Recommendations for travellers
Wash your hands
By washing your hands with soap under warm running water, you will reduce your chance of getting the flu.
Alcohol-based hand gel can also be used if soap and water are not readily available. It’s a good idea to keep some with you in your pocket or purse when you travel.
Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette.
Cover your mouth and/or nose to reduce the spread of germs. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Cover your mouth and nose to reduce the spread of germs. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.
Monitor your health.
If you develop flu-like symptoms when you return to New Zealand, you should see a seek medical attention immediately.
Tell the health care provider who sees you that you have been travelling to the United States and/or Mexico.