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Health officials greet arrivals at Auckland International airport - Source: ONE News -
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The swine flu is continuing to have an impact on New Zealand with 96 suspected cases known.
There are 13 confirmed cases in New Zealand.
The 96 suspected cases include people who have returned from Mexico or the US within the last seven days and who have developed flu-like symptoms.
They have all been tested for Influenza A and are waiting on results. If any tests are positive, they will be tested for swine flu.
All suspect cases are being given the Tamiflu anti viral drug.
The announcement was made just before midnight by Health Minister Tony Ryall.
The Ministry of Health is also aware that at least one of the suspected cases returned from North America prior to the weekend of April 25, when it was originally thought the first cases entered New Zealand.
The number of confirmed cases has been reduced from 14 to 13 as one passenger joined the flight to New Zealand from Samoa, not Los Angeles as first thought.
Thus comes as the Government passed an Order in Council, making the virus a notifiable disease, which means all cases of swine flu will now have to reported to public health officials.
Deputy Director of Public Health Dr Fran McGrath says it gives medical officers of health practical powers to protect the community if someone's not willing to cooperate.
She says if the virus is notifiable, it helps them to keep an eye on what's happening in the community and get people tested.
The Ministry of Health says all the confirmed cases have so far had only mild flu symptoms, and are on the mend or have recovered.
Airport screening
There is now screening for at least 10,000 people who arrive in New Zealand every week from North American flights.
People with flu-like symptoms are being pulled aside by health officials at the airport and put into quarantine.
One of these passengers is Australian Lana Coulter who will spend her first night in lock down at an Auckland hotel.
"I'm ok with the waiting I'm more annoyed that I can't actually go out and go for a walk," says Coulter.
She was only meant to be touching down to change flights on her way home to Adelaide, after a work trip to New York.
Now she will be quarantined in New Zealand for three days.
"The number of suspected cases is likely in increase," says Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Fran McGrath.
"While the numbers in any category will fluctuate, this is a pattern to be expected from an influenza outbreak."
"It is important to not that the 13 people we are treating as confirmed cases have all had mild flu symptoms, have received treatment and are all on the mend of have recovered," McGrath says.
Keep up to date with the latest news no matter where you are with our dedicated swine flu Twitter feed. - http://twitter.com/SwineFluInNZ PLUS Health correspondent Lorelei Mason will be keeping you in the loop on how she is covering the story as it develops - http://twitter.com/SwineFluNZNews
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentalwyn said on 2009-06-18 @ 14:34 NZDT: Report abusive post
The general flu causes between 200,000 and 250,000 deaths p.a world wide. Swine flu has caused only a fraction of this number in proportion. There is a temporary cure i.e. Tami flu until a vaccine is produced for H1N1 flu. I don't understand what all the fuss is about?
Janey said on 2009-06-16 @ 09:36 NZDT: Report abusive post
I think NZ media and health service has been far too blase about this outbreak. The UK's BBC news website has been reporting symptoms and PREVENTION for weeks and has an excellent outbreak map, which clearly shows quick acceleration of the virus. The UK's health service posted information leaflets to every home WEEKS ago. My husband works in a a business where the workers come into contact with lots tourists - they only just received a booklet on the virus 2 days ago. NZ, get with the programme!
skeptic said on 2009-06-16 @ 07:57 NZDT: Report abusive post
Thank you Mark Sainsbury for telling us the symptoms, and debunking the mythology. Many of us did not even know that we probably have the swine flu which is probably now widespread in our community. It was clear from the outset that authorities were not taking the drastic steps necessary to contain an epidemic. Since they have created an elaborate ritual to prove that they have done everything possible ... Thank God this was not a SERIOUS pandemic.
FightFlu said on 2009-05-04 @ 23:41 NZDT: Report abusive post
I absolutely agree Tis, this particular virus could have been a lot worse. Due to information technology these days we have highly accessible and up to date information to keep us informed, and with knowledge is power. As long as the people remain calm, and keep informed we should be able to keep the Swine Flu at a safe distance.
Tis said on 2009-05-02 @ 11:33 NZDT: Report abusive post
This scare could perhaps prepare us well for a more severe future pandemic - e.g. Ok, so all the focus is on Tamiflu - but what about ensuring enough antibiotics to treat secondary infections from a new influenca - and do we have enough of those machines in hospitals to help people breath when they are in acute respiratory distress - lets hope so!