What is the NZCIO?About New ZealandNew Zealand Alumni NetworkBusiness InformationTravelling to NZNew Zealanders in Taiwan
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What is the NZCIO?About New ZealandNew Zealand Alumni NetworkBusiness InformationTravelling to NZNew Zealanders in Taiwan
Online Registration
Tuesday, 28/4/09
Human cases of swine influena A (H1N1) resulting from human to human transmission have been identied in Mexico, California and Texas.
The New Zealand Ministry of Health is closely following international developments, and advice from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Overseas health authorities such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating to determine the source of the infection and whether additional people have been infected with similar swine influenza viruses.
WHO and other health authorites such as CDC have not recommended that people avoid travel to these areas at this time.
More information can be found at:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm [External Link]
www.who.int/entity/csr/disease/swineflu [External Link]
It is recommended that travellers follow the same precautionary measures as with seasonal influenza including receiving a seasonal flu vaccine, washing your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill.
New Zealanders who have recently travelled to Mexico, California and/or Texas and who develop flu-like symptoms are advised to seek medical attention immediately.
Swine influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) is a respiratory infection that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs.
Sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred, however these are usually caused by direct exposure to pigs.
Human to human transmission of swine influenza has been documented. Symptons so far have varied from mild to severe flu-like symptoms, but deaths are rare.
Usually include symptoms similar to season influenza (flu) including headache, chills and cough followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation.
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur in adults as well as in children.
In more severe cases, or in people with chronic conditions, complications such as pneumonia may develop.
1. Wash your hands
o By washing your hands with soap under warm running water, you will reduce your chance of getting the flu.
o Alcohol-based hand gel can also be used if soap and water are not readily available. It’s a good idea to keep some with you in your pocket or purse when you travel.
2. Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette
a. Cover your mouth and/or nose to reduce the spread of germs. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.
3. Try to avoid close contact with sick people
4. Cover your mouth and nose to reduce the spread of germs. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.
5. Monitor your health
6. If you develop flu-like symptoms when you return to New Zealand, you should see a seek medical attention immediately
7. Tell the health care provider who sees you that you have been travelling to the United States and/or Mexico.
The Ministry of Health is monitoring the international situation closely, and keeping other government agencies and DHBs informed of developments. More information can be found at:
www.moh.govt.nz [External Link]