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12.6.2009 - Influenza A (H1N1) UPDATE - WHO declare pandemic

Update on Health Response to Influenza A (H1N1) Threat

The World Health Organisation has declared the influenza A (H1N1) swine flu outbreak as a pandemic and moved to a phase 6 alert which recognises widespread community transmission of the virus around the world.

Phase 6 means that WHO considers that a global pandemic is underway – it means nothing about the severity of the illness or this strain of influenza, rather it relates to how quickly and how wide the virus is spreading.

Lakes and Bay of Plenty DHBs have been jointly planning and preparing since late April when the first suspected cases were identified in New Zealand so in practical terms, people will see little immediate change in the response.

The DHBs will continue to manage suspected cases and contacts of influenza A (H1N1) through Toi Te Ora Public Health and to co-ordinate the planning to manage the response through the joint Emergency Operations Centre at Rotorua Hospital. The number of people being managed by the Lakes and BOP public health unit is now 50 with the number growing steadily. There are no confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) in the Lakes or Bay of Plenty areas.

EOC Incident Controller Gary Lees says that Lakes and Bay of Plenty public health officials are working very hard and are coping at present with actively following up individuals who are either suspect cases or their contacts. However, with the increasing number of people needing to be quarantined or isolated and given tamiflu, a lot of planning is going on as to how this might be approached differently.

Deputy Director Public Health Dr Darren Hunt says the focus and response of New Zealand’s health services will be governed by events here, not overseas. On the evidence so far, all confirmed New Zealand cases are travel related or close contacts of travellers, which means there is no evidence of community spread so far.

Dr Hunt says at the moment New Zealand is continuing containment efforts, as every week we buy is important for delaying the peak of infection out past winter when hospitals are under most pressure, and giving families, schools and businesses a chance to prepare.

“The way the virus has spread in Australia is what we’re likely to see here – the numbers will increase and at some stage we will have community spread.  At that point we will increase our emphasis on managing cases in the community and treat it like all flu – the difference is that many more people will be affected because the population is not immune to this new virus. While swine flu has been relatively mild so far, it will be serious for some,” said Dr Hunt.
 
The Ministry of Health advice is that people who have travelled overseas but who are well on their return or arrival do not need to be routinely excluded from school or work on their return. 
But if they have flu symptoms within seven days they should call their doctor or Healthline (0800 611 116), and not go to school or work.

At this time, the Ministry of Health is not recommending cancelling or postponing overseas travel during the upcoming school holidays which start on Saturday 4 July.

The situation in both New Zealand and internationally is being constantly reviewed, but it is not possible to predict what the situation will be in New Zealand or other countries in early July.

Issued on behalf of Incident Controller for Joint Lakes and Bay of Plenty Pandemic Planning Committee, Gary Lees

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:

Sue Wilkie, Communications Officer Lakes DHB
Phone  07 349 7944 or  Mob: 027 242 3652

Carol Wollaston, Communications Manager BOP DHB
Ph: 07 579 8411 or Mob: 021 227 0452

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