Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu: Two Probable Cases Not H1N1

The Northland District Health Board advises that laboratory tests taken from two Northlander who were suspected of having probable Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu, have come back positive for seasonal Influenza A but negative for Influenza A H1N1 swine flu.  Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu is a strain of Influenza A.

Northland has no confirmed cases of swine flu in the region.

There are now sixteen people under quarantine and they have either recently returned to New Zealand from overseas or are close contacts of people who have travelled recently.

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

People who have recently returned from overseas and have influenza symptoms, or are a close contact of a confirmed case should phone for advice before visiting a doctor's surgery or medical centre.  Health 0800 611 116 has registered nurse taking calls, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Practicial information on what workplaces can do to prepare for a pandemic is available on the Department of Labour website http://www.dol.govt.nz/.   Members of the public can also find information about how to prepare their households by visiting the Civil Defence Get Ready, Get Thru website http://www.getthru.govt.nz/.

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