Four people in Otago and five in Southland, who were on
flight NZ1 which arrived in New Zealand from Mexico on Anzac
Day, are in voluntary quarantine in their homes.
Otago and Southland medical officer of health Dr Marion
Poore said none of them had symptoms of influenza.
Home quarantine means those people stay at home and do not
have visitors, to limit the potential spread of infection.
Public Health South is asking people who have returned from
Mexico or North America on Flight NZ 1 on Saturday April 25
to contact Public Health South.
People who were on that flight and had influenza-like
symptoms should contact their medical centre by telephone to
discuss their concerns, rather than just arriving at medical
centres or hospitals, Dr Poore said.
People who arrived on other flights are not considered to be
at increased risk.
The national pandemic alert status was raised to "code
yellow'' this morning, which is a standby phase to alert the
health sector there has been significant development in the
virus overseas, or isolated cases in New Zealand.
The Otago and Southland District Health Boards are setting up
``incident response centres'' to manage the code yellow
alert.
"While we realise this is an unsettling time for people
because of talk about a pandemic [world-wide outbreak], the
health sector and other agencies have been planning for this
situation for some time.
"It is important the public is aware of what is happening.''
Guidelines:
• The single most important way to protect against influenza
is regular and effective hand washing.
• When coughing or sneezing also, cover your mouth and nose
with a tissue. Afterwards, promptly dispose of the tissue and
wash your hands.
• Keep your hands away from your mouth, nose, ears and eyes
as mucous membranes can let the virus in to your body.
