Rates of pandemic influenza remain at a low level in New Zealand. The Ministry of Health is actively reviewing response activities and preparing for an anticipated upsurge of influenza activity in 2010.

In the northern hemisphere, pandemic influenza activity is relatively high. The pattern is mixed, with some countries appearing to be at or just past their peak, and others with increasing rates. See below for more information and at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/.

Advice for New Zealanders travelling overseas can be found at www.safetravel.govt.nz. This includes making adequate preparations prior to travel, consulting your doctor if needed, and taking basic protective measures such as regular handwashing. New Zealanders with flu-like symptoms are advised to consider delaying their overseas travel.

Weekly consultation rates for influenza-like illness in New Zealand, 2007-2009 Source: Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Influenza Weekly Update 2009/47

Sentinel surveillance data from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research shows the current level of pandemic influenza activity in New Zealand is below baseline levels.

Public participate in swine flu study

Members of the public appear keen to participate in a study to determine how many New Zealanders have been exposed to the pandemic influenza virus and developed immunity to it. General practices participating in the study report a good response from randomly selected patients they have contacted and invited to participate. Those who agree to take part are given information about the study, asked to sign a consent form, complete a questionnaire and give a small blood sample. Participants are told their test results within 20 working days of having the blood test. About 2500 blood samples will be taken during the study, which will run until March next year. Data from this study will further inform the work that is already underway to prepare for a second wave of the pandemic influenza. International situation

The World Health Organization reports that as of 29 November 2009, worldwide more than 207 countries and overseas territories and communities have reported laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 8768 deaths.

More information on the global progress of the pandemic is available on the WHO website: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/ In the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere, the early arriving winter influenza season continues to intensify across central Europe and in parts of central, eastern and southern Asia. Disease activity has peaked and is declining in North America and has either recently peaked or is currently peaking in much of western and northern Europe.