A foundation established by Julian Robertson, New Zealand's first honorary knight and prominent philanthropist, has given $10.2 million to Duke University in the USA to advance the use of cord blood as a therapy.

The situation in New Zealand essentially remains the same since the last update on 18 November 2009. Influenza activity, as indicated by the number of visits to doctors for influenza-like illness (ILI), continues to be low.

During the week ending 30 October there was a slight rise in the number of New Zealanders seeing their doctor in relation to influenza-like illnesses (ILI). Most people were seeking advice for sick babies and children aged under four.

The international picture

The West Coast has generally fared well during the pandemic influenza outbreak over the winter. The sensible precautions taken certainly prevented the illness from gaining a foothold here. The community are thanked for their efforts during this time.

The total number of deaths attributed to swine flu is now 19 following investigation of the death of a 35 year old woman who died in Waikato on 21 September - she had underlying medical conditions.

The rate of Pandemic Influenza infections is continuing to decrease in New Zealand, however it is still circulating.

As at midday today one person is in hospital with confirmed swine flu (H1N1) 09 or its complications - down from four last week.