27 July 2009

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza Update

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, said as schools returned from holidays this week, parents and schools needed to work together to reduce the transmission of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza in the school community.

Dr Chant said the past two weeks had seen a decrease in the number of children aged 5-16 years presenting to emergency departments with flu-like illness. However with schools back this week, we may see a rise in cases amongst this age group.

"Schools play an important role in reinforcing good hygiene practices and in helping parents and children understand how to minimise the spread of infection," Dr Chant said.

"It is important that parents keep their children away from school if they develop influenza-like symptoms and we ask families, friends and the wider community to work together to make this happen whenever possible," Dr Chant said.

Dr Chant reiterated important public health messages that would help reduce the spread of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza:

• Anyone who is sick with influenza symptoms is advised to stay home until they have recovered
• Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the garbage bin after use.
• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Dr Chant also reminded people who were unwell with influenza that they should not, in any instance, visit sick, elderly, pregnant women or young children. They should also avoid visiting hospitals unless requiring treatment for their own illness.

Since the pandemic began in NSW, 761 confirmed Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza cases have been reportedly admitted to hospital. In NSW, 40 people with confirmed Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza are reported to be currently receiving treatment in intensive care, a slight drop in the number (46) cases as of last Friday (July 24).

Dr Chant said 3648 people had now tested positive for Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza. However, this represented only a small proportion of the infections in the community as testing was no longer routinely recommended except for hospitalised patients and in circumstances where it may change clinical management.

The total number of deaths associated with H1N1 influenza remains at 17.

Summary of hospital-admitted Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza cases in NSW residents (June-July 2009)

Table last updated: 27 July 2009, 10.30am EST.

A weekly report, Case Numbers and Statistics, which describes the progress of the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza 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