Ten possible cases and mass gathering warnings

Waikato District Health Board's Population Health Service is currently managing ten possible cases of Influenza A (H1N1).

The figures are up from the three possible cases reported yesterday, all of whom were tested, are on tamiflu as appropriate and in isolation.

The national situation remains at Code Yellow (standby phase), however Waikato has still not had any confirmed cases of the virus since April when the Code Yellow phase was instigated.

Local precautions at the Fieldays Agricultural Expo at Mystery Creek, south of Hamilton, started today and will continue until Saturday night.

Waikato DHB has provided organisers with hygiene messages for public gates into the event, in addition to toilet signage alerting people to an onsite GP if they have flu-like symptoms, and particularly urging those who are unwell and have recently travelled to see the GP.

Medical officer of health Anita Bell said hand hygiene and good cough and sneeze etiquette is still the single most effective way to prevent the spread of illness.

"If everyone followed a few simple rules to prevent transmission, the spread would be a lot easier to manage," said Dr Bell.

"This is not just about H1N1, seasonal influenza is horrible as well and we are now at the time of year when incidence of that increases.

"It's about looking after ourselves and each other and most importantly being sensible if we do fall ill."

Prevention and hygiene measures include:

• Social distancing. Sick people should stay home from school or work.
• Hand hygiene. Wash your hands for 20 seconds, then dry them for 20 seconds - do this regularly.
• Cough and sneeze etiquette. Cover your mouth and use disposable tissues. Dispose of tissues in a lined bin.
• Enhanced cleaning (using a bleach-based cleaning agent to kill viruses, putting away/enhanced cleaning of shared equipment, toys etc).

Anyone with an influenza-like illness, who developed symptoms within seven days of travel to America, Canada, Mexico, Japan or Australia, should call their general practitioner or the medical officers of health immediately.

Waikato Public Health Unit contacts:

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

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

Free health advice and notification can also be obtained by phoning Healthline 0800 611 116.

Date: 10 June 2009

ENDS