20 August 2009

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza Update

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, today said the number of influenza-like illness presentations to emergency departments continued to decline over the past week, and is now similar to the largest seasonal influenza peak of recent years.

Dr Chant said there had been 334 presentations to Emergency Departments over the last 7 days, which was considerably down from the peak in mid-July of approximately 1300 presentations.

"Hospital admissions with pneumonia or influenza-like illness also peaked in mid-July and are now at usual levels for this time of year," Dr Chant said.

"These numbers are encouraging but it is important to remain vigilant and pregnant women, Aboriginal people and anyone with underlying chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, lung, heart and kidney disease or those who have moderate to severe illness, should consult their doctor immediately."

Dr Chant also confirmed that three people with underlying medical conditions had died with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza, bringing the total number of H1N1 related deaths in NSW to 36.

A man in his 50s with underlying conditions and two women (aged mid 20s and mid 70s) were confirmed to have died whilst infected with H1N1 influenza and were considered to be in higher risk groups.

Since the pandemic began in NSW, 1124 confirmed Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza cases have been reportedly admitted to hospital. Currently there are 24 people with confirmed Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza reportedly receiving treatment in intensive care in NSW.

Throughout the state, 4848 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 (June-August 2009)

Table last updated: 20 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 Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Hotline 180 2007.

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