MoHFriday 19 March 2010, 2:57PM
Media release from Ministry of Health
18 March 2010 - Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu) - Update
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Influenza activity remains low and this is what we would expect at
this time of year.
The seasonal influenza vaccination programme is in full swing, and
early feedback suggests that people are keen to take advantage of
the protection provided against three strains of influenza,
including H1N1 (the pandemic strain).
During the week 8 - 14 March 2010, none of the swabs collected from
patients presenting with influenza-like illnesses tested positive
for influenza. The number of people with an
influenza-like illness visiting their doctor has increased
slightly, however, activity remains below 'baseline' levels.
Weekly consultation rates for influenza-like illness in New
Zealand, 2008-2010
*A weekly rate of less than 50 ILI consultations per 100,000
patient population is considered baseline activity. A rate of
50-249 is considered indicative of normal seasonal influenza
activity, and a rate of 250-399 indicative of higher than expected
influenza activity. A rate of over 400 ILI consultations per
100,000 patient population indicates an epidemic level of influenza
activity.
Source: Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Influenza
Weekly Update 2010/10
International situation
As at 12 March 2010, WHO reports that since the pandemic began more
than 213 countries and overseas territories or communities have
reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1
2009, including 16713 deaths. WHO is continuing to
actively monitor the progress of the pandemic. The most
active areas of transmission are currently in parts of Southeast
Asia. Limited data suggests that on-going community
transmission continues to increase in parts of West Africa.
Since the pandemic began in April 2009, almost all countries have
experienced outbreaks of pandemic influenza and over 16,000
laboratory-confirmed deaths have been reported worldwide.
For the WHO's latest updates on the global pandemic, check
their website