The first two cases of swine flu Influenza A, (H1N1) have now been confirmed in the South Island. One of the two confirmed cases is the seven-year-old son of the first Canterbury case, who had travelled to the United States. The boy only has mild symptoms of influenza. The family had been in isolation at home after the boy's father was suspected of having Influenza A (H1N1) and treated with Tamiflu. The boy's father is recovering well and his time in quarantine has ended.
The illness is becoming more widespread globally and Australia has reported 1051 confirmed cases. To date, New Zealand has had a total of 17 confirmed cases.
With the winter ski season about to start, the influx of many skiers, particularly from Australia, will put New Zealand's border controls, under more pressure.
In a precautionary step, the government has promulgated new regulations that give Medical Officers of Health legal powers if needed, to require people to isolate themselves at home and to exclude children and teachers from school, if they have swine flu or are in close contact with someone with swine flu.
The Ministry of Health has begun an advertising campaign to reinforce the messages about ways to lessen the risk of people contracting any influenza, either seasonal or influenza A (H1N1).
While measures to contain swine flu in New Zealand have been effective so far, it is inevitable that it will eventually become established in New Zealand. When that happens, up to half the population may become ill with it. Accordingly both organisations and individuals should be considering how they might cope if significant numbers of their workforce or families need to stay home to recuperate from the flu or care for those suffering from its effects.
Anyone with any personal health concerns regarding the swine flu should contact Healthline on 0800 611 116.
For more information please contact
Bryan Jamieson
Community Liaison Officer
West Coast DHB
PO Box 387
Greymouth 7840
Phone (DDI): (03) 769-7665
Mobile: 027 245-9595
Email: