Swine flu closely monitored after NZ deaths 

Source: Reuters

Health officials are closely monitoring severe swine flu cases with a view to identifying which parts of the community are most at risk.

Three people under the age of 50 confirmed as having the virus have died, and it's believed the H1N1 virus (commonly known as swine flu) was a major contributing factor in at least two of them.

Almost 1,000 cases of the virus have been confirmed here since the outbreak began.

Director of Public Health Dr Mark Jacobs says it's important they learn if there are any groups of people who are particularly vulnerable.

He says if that's the case, public health information needs to be targeted at them.

Jacobs says anybody with flu symptoms who also has an underlying medical condition should talk to a doctor.

Waikato Medical Officer of Health Dr Felicity Dumble says the family of one of the three, 19-year-old Hamilton man Zachary Wilson, want people to be aware just how quickly the disease can progress.

She says people can start out with what looks like a common cold, which then develops into influenza, becoming life threatening in a short time.

Dumble says Wilson had a history of asthma, but it's unclear whether that was a factor in his death.

She says the Coroner will further investigate what role swine flu played in Wilson's, as well as any existing medical conditions he had.

Dumble says Wilson's family have been offered the anti-viral drug Tamiflu in line with Ministry of Health protocol.

Health officials are uncertain if they should expect more deaths.

Jacobs says there's a lot health officials don't know about swine flu.

He says he is certain New Zealand will see many more cases, as the pandemic is nowhere near peaking.

Jacobs says there's no way to know whether the virus will become more or less severe over time.