NZ - 35 deaths from A/H1N1

[Sally Furniss]

Re: 3 suspected A/H1N1v deaths in New Zealand

Appeal to media from swine flu victim's whanau

Monday, 6 July 2009, 3:48 pm
Press Release: Waikato District Health Board

<!--first blockquote gone!--> Appeal to media from swine flu victim's parents and whanau

The parents of Zachary Wilson, 19, who died in Hamilton on June 28 of swine-flu related causes, today urged the media to leave them alone.

Some media outlets visited the father's Hamilton unit over the weekend and again today.

Both parents and extended family asked Waikato District Health Board to handle all media enquiries for them.

They're dealing with the grief of losing their son, farewelled him last week and then found out on Saturday that it was swine-flu related.

They appreciate you want to hear about their son but they're simply not able to handle talking to the media.

They also would like to thank those who published their son's picture as it helped alert his friends.

Please respect their wishes.

Thank you .

http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=114292

[Shiloh]

Re: 3 suspected A/H1N1v deaths in New Zealand

Source: http://www.3news.co.nz/News/National...4/Default.aspx

Mum urges young people to seek help after son's swine flu death
Zachary was an asthmatic and health officials say swine flu was likely to be a major factor in his death Zachary was an asthmatic and health officials say swine flu was likely to be a major factor in his death
Tue, 07 Jul 2009 9:46a.m.

The mother of a teenager whose death last week was connected to swine flu is encouraging young people to seek help if they get sick.

Zachary Wilson, 19, died at his father's home just over a week ago without knowing he had contracted swine flu.

He was an asthmatic and health officials say swine flu was likely to be a major factor in his death.

His mother, who declined to be named, said young people like Zachary often thought they were indestructible and did not ask for help.

She encouraged other young people to seek help from Healthline or their doctor. Zachary's father has been given the all clear from swine flu after spending the last week in isolation.

He thanked the public for respecting his family's privacy.

They were still grieving the loss of a much-loved son, cousin and nephew and now had the news that his death was swine-flu related to deal with.

Zachary is one of three people with swine flu who have died in New Zealand.

All had underlying medical conditions.

The number of New Zealanders confirmed to have the illness has topped 1000.

NZPA

[DazzaMc]

NZ - Fourth swine flu-related death

Fourth swine flu-related death in NZ

There has been another swine flu-related death in New Zealand - the fourth.

A Blenheim man, 46, is the latest. He died at home in early last Wednesday and was found by a relative.

Chief Coroner, Judge Neil MacLean, says the man had pre-existing health problems, including obesity, and had not seen a doctor for some time.

Judge MacLean says no other cases are under consideration by his office at this stage.

Health officials reported on Tuesday there are 53 people in hospital with the swine flu virus or complications of it. Twelve are in intensive care.

It was announced over the weekend that it's "strongly probable" that the swine flu virus was a major factor in the deaths of three people in Hamlton, Christchurch and Wellington.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/stories/2009/07/08/1245bb85561f

[Shiloh]

5th A/H1N1 death reported in NZ

Source: http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdeta...storyID=159864

Swine flu death toll rises to five

08/07/2009 14:09:07

The number of swine flu deaths in New Zealand has risen to five.

The Chief Coroner has confirmed a 46-year-old Blenheim man who had the virus died at his home on or about July 1. He has also just received confirmation test results on a man who died in Christchurch, have returned positive for swine flu.

Judge Neil MacLean says the Blenheim man had a background of obesity. He says an autopsy showed a strong suspicion the man had had swine flu, and now a virologist has confirmed it.

Judge MacLean says he knows little about the Christchurch death at this stage, but will be investigating further.

[DazzaMc]

Re: 5th A/H1N1 death reported in NZ

Fifth swine flu fatality

LATEST: Five New Zealanders with swine flu have now died, the chief coroner confirmed this afternoon.

Judge Neil MacLean said the 49-year-old Christchurch man, who had a history of asthma, died at his home between 4 and 5 July.

Judge MacLean also confirmed today that 46-year-old Blenheim man died at home on or about July 1, but positive test results for the virus were only confirmed today.

The man had pre-existing medical problems.

No further information will be available on either death until after the next of kin have been consulted.

While swine flu has been implicated in five deaths in New Zealand since the outbreak began, health officials still don't know whether it has directly contributed to any deaths.

Chief coroner Judge Neil MacLean said they would not know until the full post mortem results had been analysed and a ruling made by a pathologist.

"At this stage all we know is a provisional cause of death... then we find we get the positive H1N1 but then the next step is, well, is that just something that was present and actually really had nothing to do with whether the person died or not?"

If swine flu was a factor, the link with the cause of death would have to be determined, he said.

Judge MacLean said there was "an index of suspicion" meaning health officials were more conscious of the threat of swine flu and were ordering autopsies where they might not have in the past.

The coroners office was waiting on four further test results.

In the last two to three weeks, 12 suspected cases had come back negative for the new flu strain.

Canterbury virologist Dr Lance Jennings echoed the sentiments of Judge MacLean.

"We don't really know yet whether it's the virus that's killing people or whether it's ... exacerbating the underlying medical conditions. That will become clearer, I guess, as more work's done."

Latest figures from the Health Ministry show the number of people in hospital with the virus was 53 as of yesterday, and 12 of those were in intensive care.

The number of confirmed cases of swine flu was 1195, up from 1059 on Monday.

Dr Jennings said the rising number of serious afflictions probably related to the spread of the virus rather than it becoming more serious.

"I think it reflects the movement of the virus through susceptibles in the community," he said.

He said that in Christchurch they had tracked the movement of the virus from its beginnings in the Samoan community to schools which was reflected in higher numbers of younger people being affected.

"As the virus moves back into homes, then people that aren't exposed to young children etcetera eventually come in contact with the virus and these are people that we're seeing with underlying medical conditions and we're seeing the more severe consequences of the influenza virus in these people."

Mr Jennings said they were surprised to see that morbid obesity contributed to a higher risk of patients developing more severe cases. He said it was possible that being overweight was contributing to breathing difficulties.

Once the pandemic had moved on and they were able to analyse the data more accurately, the number of associated deaths would be an important factor in making decisions around preparing for future pandemics.

"Obviously it will impact on the use of a vaccine should it be considered for [wider] use in the population," he said.

Over 400 people die from seasonal influenza every year.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/2575477/Fifth-swine-flu-fatality

[Chuck]

Swine flu toll reaches 7

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10583334

Swine flu toll reaches 7
4:00AM Thursday Jul 09, 2009
By Martin Johnston


The first Auckland deaths linked to swine flu have been reported, bringing the national toll to seven.

They were two patients who were in Middlemore Hospital's intensive care unit. Their deaths have not yet been included in the Ministry of Health's tally, which stood at five yesterday, after two South Island cases reported by coroners.

In one of the Middlemore deaths swine flu had been confirmed; the other was a probable case.

The chief coroner, Judge Neil MacLean, said the two South Island cases were:

A Christchurch man aged 49 with a background of asthma who died at his home last weekend.

A 46-year-old man who died at his home in Blenheim on or about July 1 and had pre-existing medical problems.

The ministry said New Zealand's total of confirmed swine flu cases was 1272 yesterday. On Tuesday, the ministry said 53 people were in hospital with the virus, of whom 12 were in intensive care.

[Shiloh]

Re: 5th A/H1N1 death reported in NZ

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/swine-f...phone-possible

Assessment by phone possible
By RUTH HILL - The Dominion Post
Last updated 05:00 09/07/2009

As the death toll from swine flu continues to climb, doctors are considering assessing flu patients over the phone for medical certificates.

Chief coroner Judge Neil MacLean confirmed yesterday that autopsy tests on two South Island men were positive for influenza A H1N1, bringing the number of fatal New Zealand swine flu cases to five.

One of the men, a Blenheim resident who died at home on July 1, was found by a relative. Health authorities haven't named him, but family confirmed he was Mongrel Mob member and father-of-five Brian Te Whiti Harmer, 46.

He had pre-existing health problems, including obesity, and had not seen a doctor for some time.

Mr Harmer was buried on Monday after a tangi at Kahuranaki Marae in Te Hauke, Hawke's Bay.

Nelson-Marlborough medical officer of health Ed Kiddle said the cause of death would not be determined till the full autopsy findings were reviewed but it was likely swine flu was "a contributing factor".

"It is sad to hear of any death in our community and our thoughts are with the family at this time," Dr Kiddle said.

The body of a 49-year-old Christchurch man with a history of asthma, who died at home on Saturday or Sunday, also tested positive for the virus.

Deputy director of public health Fran McGrath said people with other significant health conditions were at higher risk of more serious illness from influenza.

"However, there is growing evidence that some previously healthy people can also develop a more serious illness."

The first reported death was 19-year-old Hamilton asthmatic Zachary Wilson, who died at home on June 28.

A Christchurch man, 42, died at home last Thursday, and an eight-year-old girl with cerebral palsy died in Wellington Hospital on Saturday.

The coroner's office is waiting for test results on four other people.

The total number of confirmed cases in New Zealand yesterday reached 1272, up from 1195 the day before.

Meanwhile, health authorities are considering whether doctors should be allowed to issue medical certificates on the basis of telephone consultations.

Medical Association spokesman Mark Peterson said some employers were insisting on medical certificates from workers sick with swine flu, which was creating a problem for health clinics.

"Most people can self-manage their illness and the key public health message has been to stay home and not spread it around," he said. "But this unravels if we have employers insisting on medical certificates."

GPs have been criticised previously for issuing medical certificates over the phone but the Medical Council and Health Ministry are considering relaxing the rules during the pandemic.

Dr Peterson said he was concerned some people particularly the elderly might take advice to isolate themselves too literally.

"Certainly if there is any indication the illness is becoming more serious, especially if there is difficulty breathing, people must seek medical advice."

Since news of the deaths broke on Sunday, Healthline has received high volumes of calls, with more than 2000 answered every day this week.

[DazzaMc]

Re: NZ deaths from A/H1N1v

NZ - Swine flu toll reaches 7

The first Auckland deaths linked to swine flu have been reported, bringing the national toll to seven.

They were two patients who were in Middlemore Hospital's intensive care unit. Their deaths have not yet been included in the Ministry of Health's tally, which stood at five yesterday, after two South Island cases reported by coroners.

In one of the Middlemore deaths swine flu had been confirmed; the other was a probable case.

The chief coroner, Judge Neil MacLean, said the two South Island cases were:

A Christchurch man aged 49 with a background of asthma who died at his home last weekend.

A 46-year-old man who died at his home in Blenheim on or about July 1 and had pre-existing medical problems.

The ministry said New Zealand's total of confirmed swine flu cases was 1272 yesterday. On Tuesday, the ministry said 53 people were in hospital with the virus, of whom 12 were in intensive care.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10583334&ref=rss

[Sally Furniss]

Re: NZ - 7 deaths from A/H1N1v

The swine flu death toll has officially reached six with a seventh case unconfirmed. A Northern Regional Health Coordination Centre spokeswoman said two people died at Auckland's Middlemore Hospital yesterday.
One was confirmed as having had the swine flu A (H1N1) virus while the second was a suspected case and staff were awaiting lab results.
The spokeswoman was unable to say whether the two suffered from any other medical conditions.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/2579699/Swine-flu-death-toll-climbs

[Chuck]

Swine flu claimed man day before birthday

http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/swine-flu/2580857/Swine-flu-claimed-man-day-before-birthday

Swine flu claimed man day before birthday
By MARTY SHARPE - The Dominion Post
Last updated 05:00 10/07/2009

LOST SON: Mary-Lou Harmer, of Hastings, with a photo of son Brian, who died the day before his birthday after contracting swine flu.

Brian Harmer died of swine flu the day before his birthday.

The 45-year-old Hastings Mongrel Mob member, who had lived in Blenheim for four years, was found dead by his son on Wednesday last week.

Mr Harmer's mother, Mary-Lou Harmer, said he had respiratory problems, sleep apnoea and "was very overweight". He weighed about 140kg.

"He just went to sleep and never woke up," she said.

He was buried at Te Hauke, south of Hastings, after a tangi attended by Mob members on Monday at Kahuranaki Marae.

Mr Harmer's son Lou-Daniel, 14, said his father was planning to see a doctor on the day he died.

Mr Harmer also had two daughters, aged 27 and 16.

Friend and fellow Blenheim-based Mob member Tony Taurima said Mr Harmer usually slept with a nebuliser on, but had not turned it on the night he died.

The alarm was raised when someone realised they could not hear him snoring, Mr Taurima said. "He can snore down a house ... if he's asleep, you can hear him.

"He used to work in the vineyards, but once the health deteriorated, he stopped. I used to make him walk up the rows. He's just big, you know," Mr Taurima said.

"You could be talking to him and he'd just go to sleep. He was pretty sick."

[Sally Furniss]

Re: NZ - 6 deaths from A/H1N1v

Swine flu: death toll reaches 7
Last updated 17:09 11/07/2009

The number of deaths involving swine flu has risen to seven, after a Taranaki man who died earlier this week was confirmed as having the illness.

The man had an underlying medical condition, but his family had asked that no details about him be released to the public, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

The number of confirmed cases of swine flu was unchanged at Friday's total of 1555, because the system that collated the figures was down for scheduled maintenance, he said.

Swine flu has become New Zealand's dominant flu strain, accounting for about 75 percent of confirmed flu cases in the week ending Sunday.

Swine flu has rapidly replaced seasonal influenza, and was putting health services under particular pressure in Wellington, Taupo and Rotorua.

The illness was more serious than it had sometimes been portrayed, with the country's death rate likely to be about the same or higher than the roughly 400 deaths from seasonal flu each year, Massey University mathematical biologist Professor Mick Roberts said.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/2585731/Swine-flu-death-toll-reaches-7

[JimO]

Four Suspected Deaths in NZ - Total could be 11

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/heal...-may-number-11

At least seven swine flu patients have died in New Zealand.

But Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean's office could not confirm yesterday whether swine flu had been ruled out in four other suspected cases.
Total confirmed cases yesterday were 1779, up from 1555 on Friday.

The Health Ministry said the actual number of cases would be significantly higher as only a small proportion of people with symptoms were now being tested.

Deputy director of public health Fran McGrath said it was important for people with worsening symptoms to phone their GP or Healthline for advice. "Symptoms which may require further medical advice include difficulty breathing or chest pain, a high temperature, drowsiness, severe vomiting or a cough with blood or green phlegm."

Pregnant women, and people with respiratory disease, heart disease, liver disease or blood disorders, should be especially careful.

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[kiwibird]

More patients critically ill

There have been no deaths from swine flu since the weekend but the number of critically ill patients is increasing.

Seven people have died from swine flu but in Northland and Auckland alone 10 people are reported to be fighting for their lives after testing positive for swine flu, or H1N1.

The Ministry of Health will later today detail how many people are consulting GPs, being admitted to hospital or are in intensive care.

They will also reveal how many people battling swine flu already had other health conditions.

Most of those in intensive care with the virus were believed to have underlying health problems, but at least two otherwise healthy people have spent time in intensive care with swine flu.

Figures from four district health boards in Northland and Auckland yesterday showed 120 people were in hospital with flu-like symptoms, including from ordinary seasonal flu.

That was not an unusually high number for this time of year, said a spokeswoman for the boards.

Forty-one of those hospitalised had confirmed positive for swine flu.

New Zealand's cumulative total of confirmed cases is now 1779, up from 1555 on Friday.

Only a small proportion of people with flu symptoms are now being tested for swine flu, and health authorities are no longer releasing a tally of confirmed cases for each region.

Deputy Director of Public Health Fran McGrath said it was important to remember that most people who contracted the virus would only suffer mild to moderate illness.

"If people have symptoms which get worse, it is important they phone their GP or Healthline for advice," Dr McGrath said.

One of the patients critically ill with swine flu in Auckland was teenager Claudia Teague, a Year 9 student from Woodford House in Havelock North, who is in Starship children's Hospital after becoming sick in the holidays.

The teenager, who was also on dialysis because her kidneys were failing, was flown to the Starship from Hawke's Bay Hospital.

Auckland District Health Board declined to give an update on her status last night, citing her parents' wishes.

- NZPA

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/2591338/More-patients-critically-ill-from-swine-flu

[Sally Furniss]

Re: NZ - 7 deaths from A/H1N1v

Nine deaths around the country are now confirmed as being linked to swine flu, up from seven.

Chief Coroner Neil MacLean says swine flu has been a factor in nine deaths so far.


The Ministry of Health confirmed the latest deaths on Tuesday evening.


One was a 56-year-old Wellington man and the other a 79-year-old Hutt Valley woman.


The Ministry did not say if the deaths occurred in hospital or in the community.


It says 113 people are in hospital around the country with swine flu, 23 of whom are in intensive care.
Pandemic's economic impact 'small'

The update comes as Treasury says swine flu is likely to have only a small effect on the economy overall.
Treasury has updated an earlier estimation prepared for it on the likely effects of an influenza pandemic, using Health Ministry information on the current impact of swine flu on sickness and absenteeism.
In a 2006 report, Treasury estimated gross domestic product, or GDP, could fall by 1% to 2% in the year in which a flu pandemic occurred.
Treasury's manager for macro policy Mark Sowden says information about the actual effects of swine flu suggest likely economic effects will be much lower than that.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/stories/2009/07/14/1245bbe18bee

[kiwibird]

Re: NZ - 10 deaths from A/H1N1v

16 July 2009

Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu - Update 107

The number of confirmed deaths from new Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu has risen to 10, with the death of a Tairawhiti man in his 40s.

The man had serious underlying medical conditions.

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/mexican-swine-influenza-update-270409#mediareleases