NZ suffers 15th swine flu death

The Ministry of Health urges New Zealanders not to let their guard down. Photo / Greg Bowker

A 30-year-old woman who died in Dunedin on Sunday has been confirmed by the Health Ministry as being New Zealand's 15th swine flu victim.

While some fatalities involving influenza (H1N1) have been attributed to other health complications, the ministry said there were no underlying medical conditions involved with the latest death.

The ministry's death toll only included people where swine flu was considered the primary cause.

Despite the death, the ministry said today the number of people presenting to GPs with influenza-like illnesses continued to fall, indicating the pandemic may be abating.

Most district health boards were continuing to manage demand, with fewer influenza admissions, and less need for intensive care beds than in July.

Hospitals had reported that the number of staff away sick was on a par with this time last year.

"All indications are that this pandemic is on a downward trend, but it's common for influenza numbers to rise and fall over several months," the ministry said.

"At this stage, it isn't known whether swine flu will re-emerge in coming weeks or months, particularly during the northern hemisphere winter."

People were still urged to "not let their guard down" and should continue with good hygiene habits.

The total number of confirmed swine flu cases as of today was 3067, up from 3056 yesterday, but the actual number was likely to be significantly higher as only a small proportion of people with symptoms were being tested.

"This is because for most people, it's a mild illness and they will recover readily at home without needing medical treatment."

- NZPA