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03 September 2009 Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza Update
NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, today said the number of people with influenza-like illness had continued to decline in NSW following a peak in the epidemic in July. In the past week a further five people have died who have been identified with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza. Four had chronic underlying conditions, while the remaining case is under investigation. The death of the two men and three women, aged 57, 58, 74, 75 and 80, brings the total of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza-related fatalities in NSW to 46. Of these deaths, 41 are known to have had chronic underlying conditions. Dr Chant reminded people with influenza-like symptoms who are pregnant, Aboriginal or have underlying medical conditions or moderate to severe illness to consult their doctor immediately. The number of influenza-like illness presentations to emergency departments has continued to decline and is now lower than the largest seasonal peak of recent years. "In the past seven days, there were 132 influenza-like presentations to selected emergency departments monitored by NSW Health. This is a significant decline from the previous week's total of 203," Dr Chant said. "Hospital admissions with pneumonia or influenza-like illness peaked in mid-July and are now at the lower end of the seasonal range for this time of year." Since the pandemic began in NSW, 1203 confirmed Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza cases have been reportedly admitted to hospital. Throughout the state, 5078 people have now tested positive for Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza. This figure, however, represents only a small proportion of the infections in the community as testing is no longer routinely recommended except for hospitalised patients and in circumstances where it may change clinical management. Summary of hospital-admitted Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza cases in NSW residents (1 May to 2 September 2009).
Table last updated: 2 September 2009, 10.00am 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 Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Hotline 180 2007. For a range of health information, go online to http://www.health.nsw.gov.au For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au |
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