13 July 2009

H1N1 Influenza 09 Update

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, today confirmed that a 61-year-old woman with underlying medical conditions died in Lismore Base Hospital on Saturday has tested positive to H1N1 influenza 09.

Dr Chant said the woman's death is the fourth in NSW to be associated with H1N1 influenza 09.

Two people have died following influenza like illness in Royal North Shore Hospital, however H1N1 has not been identified in the patients at this stage, and tests are still pending. These are two unrelated men, aged in their 30s and 40s who were being treated for other conditions in intensive care. These two patients have been referred to the coroner.

Since the epidemic began in NSW, there have been a reported 346 people who have been admitted to hospital, with 50 of these requiring admissions to intensive care units.

"For the majority of people influenza is a mild illness which can be managed at home. However, seasonal flu and H1N1 influenza 09 can occasionally result in severe disease, even in people who have been previously well.

Dr Chant said 2029 people have now tested positive for H1N1 influenza 09, but this represents only a small proportion of the infections in the community, as testing is no longer routinely recommended for mild or moderately unwell patients.

"It is not necessary for people with symptoms of influenza to be tested for H1N1 influenza 09. Treatment can be provided based on the person's symptoms," Dr Chant said.

"Pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions like diabetes, obesity, lung, heart and kidney disease to consult their doctor if they develop an influenza-like illness."

"Others who develop moderate symptoms should see their GP where available, or if not available, should contact their local flu clinic or emergency department. However, people with severe symptoms should seek urgent care."

Summary of hospital-admitted H1N1 Influenza 09 cases in NSW residents (June-July 2009)

Table last updated: 13 July 2009, 10.30am EST.

A new weekly report, Case Numbers and Statistics, which describes the progress of the H1N1 influenza 09 epidemic in NSW is available on the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/swine_flu.asp.

More information is available from the NSW Health website and the Flu hotline on 180 2007.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au