Swine-Influenza Update 3 - MDHB Emergency Operations Centre activated

30/04/2009 | Swine Influenza Update 3

MidCentral District Health Board has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), at the request of the Ministry of Health, along with all DHBs in New Zealand, in response to the swine influenza outbreak.

Current status remains in CODE YELLOW and moving to phase 5.1. This does not mean an escalation in New Zealand but reflects more the international activity. The World Health Organisation status is now at 5 out of 6 (Pandemic Alert Period Pre-Pandemic).

As of lunchtime today 33 countries had now reported suspected or confirmed cases.  There are three confirmed cases and 13 probable cases (Influenza A positive and known exposure) of “Swine Influenza” (all in the Auckland region and all are mild).  As at 9am today there were 104 suspected cases nationally, primarily close family of people on initial flights.

In the MidCentral region there are four individuals meeting the case definition of suspect case in isolation and awaiting viral swab results.  All cases are mild illnesses.  Other individuals not meeting the case definition are in voluntary home isolation until the results of their swabs are available.
 “Swine Influenza” is now a notifiable disease via an addition to the Health Act 1956 schedule. “Non-seasonal influenza (capable of transmission between human beings)” – which includes, but is not limited to ‘swine influenza’.  This means that all suspected cases must be notified to the Public Health Unit.

The Public Health Unit continue to operate their EOC and link to the DHB EOC.  Public Health Staff are involved in following up notified cases, contact tracing, communication on “Swine Influenza”, and answering specific queries.

The Ministry of Health website contains updates on the national situation (www.moh.govt.nz)