03 August 2009

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza Update

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, today confirmed that two men, both with underlying medical conditions, had died from Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza.

The death of the men, one in his 50s the other in his 60s, brings the total of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza-related fatalities in NSW to 24.

Dr Chant said the number of people presenting to emergency departments with influenza-like illness was continuing to fall.

"In NSW, 626 people presented to Emergency Departments with influenza-like illness in the last seven-day count, which is 35 per cent lower than the count of 957 a week ago,'' Dr Chant said.

"Overall admissions to hospitals from Emergency Departments with a diagnosis of influenza-like illness have also declined across all ages, with 61 visits admitted in the past seven days, compared with 67 a week ago.

"These numbers are encouraging however, we cannot become complacent. The number of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness in the past seven days remains around double the highest peak of the past six winters.

''We must all continue to employ basic hygiene practices to prevent the virus from spreading throughout our community.''

Dr Chant reminded pregnant women, Aboriginal people and anyone with underlying chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, lung, heart and kidney disease, who have moderate to severe illness to consult their doctor immediately.

Since the pandemic began in NSW, 930 confirmed Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza cases have been reportedly admitted to hospital. In NSW, 48 people with confirmed Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza are reported to be currently receiving treatment in intensive care.

Throughout the state, 4188 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 was 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 (June-July 2009)

Table last updated: 03 August, 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