Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu - Update 163

Sentinel surveillance data from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research shows that the current level of pandemic influenza activity in New Zealand is below baseline. However, there was a slight increase in visits to doctors for influenza-like illness (ILI) during the week of 16-22 November 2009. The highest number of visits to doctors for ILI was reported by the South Auckland, Rotorua and Otago health districts, and amongst children and teenagers up to 19 years old.

People throughout the country may get a call in the next few weeks asking them to participate in a study to determine how many New Zealanders have been exposed to the pandemic influenza virus and have developed immunity to it.

People randomly selected from the rolls of participating general practices are being contacted by phone and invited to take part. If they agree, they will be given information about the study and asked to sign a consent form, complete a questionnaire and give a small blood sample. About 2500 blood samples will be taken during the study, which will run until March next year. Data from this study will further inform the work that is already underway to prepare for a second wave of the pandemic influenza.

International situation
Over 620,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic influenza and nearly 8000 deaths were reported worldwide as of 22 November 2009, the World Health Organization said in its latest update. Influenza activity remains intense and widespread in parts of North America and much of Europe, though signs that disease activity may have peaked have been observed. More information on the global progress of the pandemic is available on the WHO website: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_11_27a/en/index.html


In its recent focus on travel, WHO reiterated its position that it was not recommending travel restrictions in light of the global spread of the pandemic influenza virus. WHO advises travelers to delay travel if they are ill, and recommends returning travelers who become ill to contact their health care provider. The world health body’s position on travel and advice to travelers are available at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/travel/en/index.html