New Zealand situation

The cumulative total of confirmed cases in New Zealand is now 19 up from 17 yesterday. The geographic locations of confirmed cases now includes Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hawke's Bay.

Two new confirmed cases were reported by Wellington's Regional Public Health overnight, both cases arrived in New Zealand on 31 May from Los Angeles. They became unwell after travelling together. Swabs were taken on Sunday 7 June. Both cases and their close contacts are being treated with Tamiflu and asked to stay at home in isolaton.

The cumulative total of probable cases is 11 up from 10 yesterday.

There are currently 96 suspected cases, down from 103 yesterday. The numbers of suspected cases fluctuate as more people with symptoms arriving from affected areas are assessed (treated and isolated), and as laboratory testing rules out some suspected cases.

There are 161 people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu. This is up from 92 yesterday (Monday 8 June 2009). The numbers of people in isolation vary according to when they complete 72 hours of the five-day course of Tamiflu.

Gisborne Boys High School

A group of Gisborne Boys' High school students who travelled home from a school trip to Brisbane on Sunday were in isolation at the school this morning. Public health staff have taken swabs from the students and those with symptoms of influenza have been given Tamiflu and asked to reman at home in isolation. The group includes 16 students, two teachers ad one parent.

Tairawhiti DHB Medical Officer of Health, Dr Geoff Cramp praised the school staff for their actions taken. "They moved quickly to ensure any possible spread would be minimal"

Five students with symptoms are being treated as suspect cases and the remainder are being isolated as a precaution.

Papatoetoe Child Care Centre

Children and staff at Tama Ale Eleele A'oga Amata will complete the five-day quarantine period this week. Public health authorities are working with the Centre's management to arrange the reopening of the early childhood centre on Thursday, 11 June. The Medical Officer of Health, Dr Richard Hoskins, lauded the Centre's management and staff for their full support and cooperation.

All test results received for the child care centre have been negative apart from the first case confirmed for Influenza A (H1N1) on Friday. The child had travelled back to New Zealand from Australia on 26 May 2009.

All children are recovering at home.

How to protect yourself and others

Anyone who has recently travelled overseas and is ill with influenza symptoms is advised to phone their GP or Healthline (0800 611 116) for medical advice. Do not turn up at a hospital or medical centre before doing this as you can spread germs to other people.

Signs and symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhea and vomiting.

Hand hygiene is still the single most effective measure in protecting yourself. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.

Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.

Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette. This means covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and disposing of the tissue in a lined rubbish bin with a lid or plastic bag.

Sick people should stay home until they are well, rather than going to school or work. Try to avoid contact with sick people and reduce time spent in crowded settings. If you become sick, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep you from infecting others. International Update from the World Health Organization

8 June 2009 -- As of 06:00 GMT, 8 June 2009, 73 countries have officially reported 25,288 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 139 deaths.

As at 6pm on 8 June, Australiahad reported 1207 cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infection.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given in the following table and map. Map of the spread of Influenza A(H1N1): number of laboratory confirmed cases and deaths [png 251kb] Map of the spread of Influenza A(H1N1): number of laboratory confirmed cases and deaths [png 251kb]

Updates on the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak are available on the WHO website on a regular basis (http://www.who.int).

This information can be attributed to Dr Mark Jacobs, Director of Public Health.