Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu: Northland Update No 9

The Northland District Health Board's Public Emergency Operation Center advises of two people with probable Influenza A and nineteen people who are under quarantine in Northland.

The two probable cases had recently returned to New Zealand from Western Australia.  They have tested as positive for Influenza A.  Further tests have been undertaken to identify whether the Influenza A strain is seasonal or H1N1 but laboratory results will not be available until later today and will not be released publicly until tomorrow.  Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu is a strain of Influenza A.

The nineteen people under quarantine have either recently returned to New Zealand from overseas or are close contacts of people who have traveled recently.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr Loek Henneveld continues to monitor the situation, working closely with Ministry officials.

The district health board's code communication remains Code Yellow - this is a standby phase, used to alert the health sector when there has been a significant development in the virus overseas, or single isolated cases in New Zealand.

Anyone who has recently travelled overseas and is ill with influenza symptoms is advised to phone their GP or Healthline (0800 611 116) for medical advice.

Hand washing and cough etiquette - is still the single most important measure to reduce the risks of transmitting infectious organisms from one person to another.

The best things you can do to stop the spread of any type of influenza virus is to:

• Stay at home and away from others if you are sick
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue
• Put used tissues into a rubbish bin
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth - germs spread that way
• Be careful to wash hands often with soap and dry them thoroughly - hand hygiene is critical: even when you start to feel better there is still a risk of infecting others, so keep to the 20/20 rule - 20 seconds washing and 20 seconds drying
• Keep surfaces clean at home, school and work.

ENDS

For further information contact:

Fleur King
Public Relations Manager
Northland District Health Board
Phone: 09-4700000 extn 3315