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Health official - Source: ONE News -
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All passengers flying into Auckland Airport from North America are now part of the Ministry of Health's upgraded code yellow screening procedures.
This follows an outbreak of a new type of swine flu which has killed 103 in Mexico.
The Health Ministry's National Pandemic Response Team has now classified the threat as phase yellow, one step away from a pandemic.
Passengers returning are met by a paramedic team, given an information sheet, questioned about their health and asked for contact details.
"We had to fill in a contact information form. We were given some details on the swine flu, an information sheet, that sort of thing," said a traveller.
While deaths have been limited to Mexico, the flu is spreading with 20 cases in the United States and six in Canada, 10 possible cases in New Zealand and others as far afield as Europe, and Israel.
Officials processed 1000 passengers on Monday.
Darren Wallace and his family have unwittingly returned from Los Angeles with a most unwelcome memento - the flu.
"My wife Penelope and me have been sick with the flu for a couple of weeks. We didn't actually contract it from the flight but we have been around the LA-San Diego area and this has caused concern," says Wallace.
He has not been diagnosed with anything yet, however he and his family are not allowed to leave their home.
Fortunately on Monday afternoon doctors arrived with the tamiflu vaccination.
Aucklander Brian Faunt on the other hand, is less than glowing about his post flight service.
"As far as myself, I feel pretty good. As far as the system goes, a little bit unsure," he says.
Upon hearing that he may too have been exposed to swine flu, Faunt took himself off to the doctor and then the lab, all the while sitting waiting and breathing with the general public. He was then sent home.
"They were looking at what they were going to do as far as testing other people on the plane - whether they were going to test the whole plane," he says.
In the meantime, Faunt has decided to quarantine himself until he hears back from public health officials.
However Public Health Director Mark Jacobs is adamant that the likelihood of the flu spreading throughout the plane is slim.
"It's unlikely it would spread throughout the whole plane. I mean the general risk would be more for people that are sitting nearby," says Jacobs.
TVNZ is all over the swine flu story. 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
Got an opinion on this new health concern? Share your thoughts on the message board below.
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!