Three more Waikato cases notified

Waikato District Health Board is investigating three further possible cases of swine flu today, meaning they are now awaiting test results on four cases.

Again, the new cases and their household contacts are taking Tamiflu and told to stay in isolation until their test results come back, or seven days from onset of symptoms.

Clearances for the region’s first two possible cases came yesterday.

Waikato DHB remains in Coordinated Incident Management Structure (CIMS) and is in regular contact with the Ministry of Health.

“We are ready to action our pandemic plans - over the weekend - or whenever they are required, should we need to,” said Population Health group manager and incident controller Barbara Garbutt.

Waikato DHB today and yesterday focused on relaying practical health information to community groups around both Influenza A and seasonal influenza.

Information includes the following:

• Cases of swine flu now confirmed in Auckland
• It is of concern due to it being a new virus spreading between humans and because it has caused serious illness and deaths in Mexico.
• As yet the cases in New Zealand have a mild illness.
• This is a viral illness so there is no specific treatment.
• Antiviral medication such as Tamiflu is in use by public health doctors for cases and their contacts to reduce duration of illness and spread.
• There is no vaccine as this is a new influenza virus but efforts are being made to develop one as soon as possible. This may take months.
• People who have recently travelled to Mexico, or the United States and who develop flu-like symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
• We should all follow good infection control practice:
• Social distancing. Sick people should stay home from school or work
• Hand hygiene. Wash your hands regularly
• Cough and sneeze etiquette. Cover your mouth and use disposable tissues
• Enhanced cleaning (using a bleach-based cleaning agent to kill viruses, putting away/enhanced cleaning of shared equipment, toys etc). 
• Get an influenza vaccination as seasonal influenza and other winter viruses are here.
  

Anyone with an influenza-like illness, who developed symptoms within seven days of travel to USA or Mexico, should call their general practitioner or the medical officers of health immediately, said Dr Bell.

On-call medical health protection officer (021 999 521); or Medical officer of health (021 359 650).

For more information, please visit www.moh.govt.nz


ENDS

Date: 30 April 2009

Contact:

Amy Thomsen
Communications consultant
Waikato District Health Board
Ph: 07 834 3684
Fax: 07 834 3674
Mobile: 021 712 663