9 June 2009 - A group of Gisborne Boy's High School students who travelled home from a school trip to Brisbane on Sunday are in isolation at the school this morning as suspected Influenza A (H1N1) cases.

The group of 16 students, two teachers and one parent notified health authorities this morning after five of the group began exhibiting mild flu like symptoms.

They will be visited by Public Health staff later this morning for swabs to be taken and the ones that have viral symptoms will be prescribed a course of Tamiflu.

It is hoped the test results will be available tomorrow.

They are considered as suspected cases as Australia is deemed by the Ministry of Health as an "affected area".

Medical Officer of Health Dr Geoff Cramp said the school had taken the right steps by isolating the party from the rest of the school.

"While we wait for the results of the swabs from Christchurch the party will be asked to remain in isolation so that the virus is not transferred to the wider community."

One student and the parent had remained at home and the rest were in isolation in a classroom.

Those in the classroom will be allowed home to continue their isolation today.

He praised the school staff for the actions taken.

"They moved quickly to ensure any possible spread would be minimal," he said.

The school party brings the number of suspected cases in the Tairawhiti district to six.

Two men last week suspected to have Influenza A (H1N1) after travelling to Gisborne from Australia have tested negative but another man is in isolation after returning from Sydney and exhibiting mild flu like symptoms.

Results for the two earlier cases were received late yesterday afternoon.

Isolation for the eight other people deemed contacts of the pair was also lifted yesterday.

Health authorities were notified about the new suspected case yesterday.

The man, who arrived home from Sydney on Saturday, has been prescribed Tamiflu and will remain in isolation for 72 hours.

Test results are expected back late this afternoon.

Dr Cramp said while test results showed last week's two suspected cases were negative they and most of their contacts had been quite unwell which showed that viruses are always going around our community.

Good hand hygiene practices will always be the first line of defence against contracting contagious illnesses.

"The most important thing we can do to protect ourselves is regular and effective hand washing. When coughing or sneezing cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Afterwards promptly dispose of the tissue and wash your hands," said Dr Cramp.

Symptoms of influenza include: Sudden onset of illness Fever above 38 degrees Celsius Fatigue Muscle pains Runny nose/cough/sore throat In some cases, people also have vomiting and diarrhoea.

Anyone feeling unwell since returning from one of the affected areas or has had contact with someone known to have Influenza A (H1N1) in the last seven days should stay at home and phone their GP for advice.