NZ: Ten students 'likely' to have swine flu
26 Apr 2009 6:20 PM
WELLINGTON, April 26 NZPA - Ten New Zealand students are likely to have contracted swine flu, testing has found.
Three teachers and 22 senior students from Auckland's Rangitoto College have been kept in isolation following their return on Saturday from a three week language trip.
More than 80 people in Mexico are believed to have died and over 1300 are sick as a result of catching swine flu. Cases have also been reported in New York, California and Kansas and a British Airways pilot has been hospitalised in London with flu symptoms after returning from Mexico.
Health Minister Tony Ryall said in a statement on Sunday 10 of the 13 students tested had returned positive influenza results.
"Ministry of Health officials advise me there is no guarantee these students have swine influenza, but they consider it likely.
"All precautions are being taken to allow for this. However, I am also informed none of the affected patients are considered seriously ill, and most in fact seem to be on the road to recovery."
The ten students had tested positive for Influenza A.
The results would be sent to the World Health Organisation laboratory in Melbourne to ascertain whether it was the H1N1 swine influenza, he said.
He did not know when the results would be known, but said given the global situation they would be treated with considerable urgency.
He encouraged other passengers on the flight from Los Angeles the students returned on, to consult with their GP or other health professional if they develop flu-like symptoms.
Middlemore Hospital had released tamiflu to the Auckland Regional Public Health Service to treat the patients and people who had been in contact with them.
The Ministry was in contact with the WHO and was liaising with Australia in terms of their response.
