13 August 2009

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza Update

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, today confirmed that a woman has died with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza, bringing the total number of fatalities in NSW to 33.

The woman, who was in her mid-40s, had underlying medical conditions.

Dr Chant said although occupancy in all ICUs remains high due to routine activity and seasonal impact, the latest figures show there has been an overall reduction in Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza cases in critical care.

"I am pleased to announce that this week there has been a 50 percent reduction in confirmed and suspected cases of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza in our ICUs across the state," Dr Chant said.

"This is in line with an overall decrease in people presenting to hospitals with influenza-like symptoms.

"Currently, there are 26 people with confirmed Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza reportedly receiving treatment in intensive care in NSW hospitals.

"Although this new information is very encouraging, I remind people with symptoms of influenza to monitor their health closely and to visit their doctor if their symptoms worsen - particularly if they have an underlying condition which makes them more vulnerable to severe illness, such as diabetes, lung, heart and kidney disease.

"People who are pregnant, very overweight, or of Aboriginal background are also at a higher risk of complications from influenza and are encouraged to seek early medical attention so they can receive treatment," she added.

Since the pandemic began in NSW, 1048 confirmed Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza cases have been reportedly admitted to hospital.

Throughout the state, 4699 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: 13 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