The identification of swine flu amongst some of the students from Rangitoto College of flight NZ1 has not changed the precautionary response of health authorities on the West Coast.
Four West Coast people who were identified as passengers on flight NZ1 are currently without any flu-like symptoms in home quarantine and have been provided with a course of Tamiflu. Their health is being monitored regularly while they are in quarantine.
Any other persons who may have been passengers on NZ1 that arrived in Auckland at 5am on Saturday 25 April are requested to contact a health clinic by phone immediately. Currently there are 14 passengers who have yet to be contacted.
Any other persons who have been in Mexico or the United States in the past one week and are experiencing flu-like symptoms are also urged to contact their nearest health clinic by phone.
Any other person who is experiencing flu-like symptoms should treat themselves as they would normally do with seasonal influenza.
While the seasonal influenza vaccination is unlikely to be effective against the new swine flu, being healthy and well throughout the winter is likely to improve the body's ability to cope with the new virus should you come into contact with it.
Maintaining good personal hygiene, frequent hand-washing and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing are keys to preventing the spread of colds and influenza.
West Coast District Health Board, Community and Public Health and West Coast Primary Health Organisation staff are recommending to travellers passing through the West Coast who are experiencing any flu-like symptoms that they make arrangements to have their health checked at one of the major towns on the Coast before heading for more remote areas.
Anyone with any personal health concerns regarding the swine flu should contact Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Bryan Jamieson
Community Liaison Officer
West Coast DHB
PO Box 387
Greymouth 7840
Phone (DDI): (03) 769-7665
Mobile: 027 245-9595
Email: