Non-travel flu cases may signal wider spread

The number of confirmed cases of swine flu in NZ stands at 35. Photo / Greg Bowker

New Zealand has its first two cases of swine flu that are not linked to international travel and authorities are warning this may signal the beginning of much wider spread throughout the country.

Follow-up of two confirmed cases by public health services in Wellington had not identified a link to travel or contact with travellers, the Ministry of Health said today.

Another three cases are being investigated for any links to travel.

"This is an early indication that there may be some community transmission of influenza A (H1N1) swine flu in the Wellington region, although at this stage it may be localised and limited," the ministry said.

The two confirmed cases had gone to their local GP and emergency department, and contact tracing by public health staff had not found any link to travellers returning from overseas or another confirmed case.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised that swine flu is of "moderate" severity for most people.

Health Minister Tony Ryall said the situation was changing rapidly and the health sector's response would be altered as the situation evolved.

"At this time the Ministry of Health and public health services are continuing to focus on containing the spread of the virus. This includes activities at the borders to identify, isolate and treat any suspected cases."

Mr Ryall said it was possible that there could be an exponential rise in case numbers in the days ahead, as had been seen in other countries.

Deputy director of public health Darren Hunt said progress on plans for enhanced surveillance through GP clinics continued.

This would see more GPs swabbing a sample of patients each week for influenza.

"At some stage we will see areas with sustained community transmission, at which point there will be an increased emphasis on managing and reducing the impacts on our communities.

"Community transmission is the first indication of what is likely to be much wider spread within New Zealand at some point, given that this is a new virus with no immunity in the population.

"When we see wider community spread, and an increased number of cases it won't be possible to swab and test everyone."

Dr Hunt said when that happened local health authorities would focus messages on the general public, not just recently-returned travellers.

People needed to continue to think about how they could look after themselves at home if they got sick, he said.

The number of confirmed cases of swine flu in New Zealand was last night 35, after eight new cases were confirmed in one day.

There are 25 probable cases of swine flu, up from 10 the previous day.

The ministry said it would issue updated figures later today.

- NZPA