News
The latest news and information from Toi Te Ora Public Health Service.
5th of June 2009
5.6.2009 - Influenza A H1N1 threat UPDATE: Lakes and Bay of Plenty DHBs on high alert
After six weeks of preparation and monitoring, BOP and Lakes DHB staff are gearing up for a probable steady increase in the number of people affected by Influenza A (H1N1) following major outbreaks in Australia this week.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Neil de Wet said it is likely that numbers would start to increase significantly within the next few weeks.
“The high level of traffic between New Zealand and Australia means it is inevitable the H1N1 will spread across this country. In Australia the numbers are doubling every two days and we have to be prepared for a similar situation here,” he said.
There is currently one probable case, five suspected cases and five contacts in the BOP/Lakes region. All are in isolation or quarantine and six have been offered Tamiflu.
Dr de Wet said the spread would be compounded by the start of the normal influenza season, and people will need to take practical measures to prevent spread of infection.
Anyone showing symptoms should stay home and contact their doctor by phone, rather than risk infecting others.
The Ministry of Health is launching a campaign this weekend to increase awareness about how to keep swine flu at bay and how to prepare for its likely spread in the country.
Health officials have recommended that people should be prepared to cover a period of illness at home and stock up on three to five days' worth of food and any medicines required.
As of Wednesday, 66 countries had officially reported 19,273 cases of swine flu, including 117 deaths, the World Health Organisation said.
In Australia, the number of affected people reached 502 confirmed cases on Wednesday.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of Incident Controller for Joint Lakes and Bay of Plenty Pandemic Planning Committee.
Recommended Measures to Help Prevent the Spread of Flu
Good hygiene is the most important step in preventing the spread of influenza and other winter viruses:
• Wash hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and dry hands well on a regular basis.
• Alcohol-based hand gel can also be used if soap and water are not readily available.
• Try to stay a metre away from sick people.
• If you are ill do not go to work or school.
• Keep coughs and sneezes covered, and dispose of tissues in a covered, lined rubbish bin. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.
Monitor your health:
• If you develop flu-like symptoms when you return to New Zealand after travelling, you should seek medical attention immediately.
• Ring first if possible.
• Tell the health care provider who sees you that you have been travelling.
For more information contact:
Emergency Operations Centre
Communications Ph: 07 343 8727
Carol Wollaston, Communications Manager BOP DHB
Ph: 07 579 8411 Mob: 021 227 0452
Sue Wilkie, Communications Officer Lakes DHB
or Shan Tapsell, Assistant Communications Officer
Ph: 07 349 7944 or Mob: 027 242 3652
