*Media please note: The Human Swine Influenza page on the Department of Health and Families website www.health.nt.gov.au now carries a table on Swine Flu in the Northern Territory. These figures are being updated regularly.
All of the suspect and probable cases from Ross Park Primary School in Alice Springs that were initially tested have returned negative for human swine influenza (H1N1).
As of 7.30 pm Monday 8 June there have been a total of six confirmed cases of Swine Flu in the Northern Territory. One woman is from the Alice Springs region and four women and one man are from the Darwin region. There are also two people with probable cases.
All people with confirmed or probable cases are receiving anti-viral medication, if indicated, and advised to stay in home isolation. After three days of receiving anti-viral medication, patients not exhibiting symptoms of human swine influenza may be cleared of the disease. Those not taking anti-viral medication may be cleared after seven days.
Contact tracing is underway for all cases. High risk contacts are being closely evaluated.
Dr Vicki Krause, Director, Centre for Disease Control, NT Department of Health and Families, said, "High risk contacts are considered to be people who have underlying conditions, particularly those with lung and breathing problems, pregnant woman, people with cardiac disease, or with morbid obesity.
"People in high risk categories who experience influenza-like symptoms and have shortness of breath should seek medical attention.
"Most people not considered high-risk or without pre-existing medical conditions may have mild symptoms and discomfort and are encouraged to stay home until well. People requiring medical attention should telephone in advance to advise medical staff of their impending presentation.
"Generally this influenza virus is noted as a mild to moderate illness", Dr Krause added.
Advice also remains in place for all travellers returning from places where H1N1 is prevalent who feel they have flu-like symptoms to contact a GP or hospital emergency department. These places include the USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Panama and particularly Melbourne, Victoria.
It is also advised that children returning from areas of high prevalence of human swine influenza take the precautionary measure of entering voluntary exclusion from school for seven days from the date of return.
The public are reminded that there are many cases of routine seasonal influenza in the community and those with suspected seasonal flu who are unwell are advised to stay at home away from school and work. It is not too late to get your 2009 seasonal influenza vaccine. Contact your health care provider for more information.
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The Commonwealth's Human Swine Flu telephone information line is 1802007
Media contact: Darrel Trueman 0401 116 203.
Monday 8 June 7.45pm
