The following may be attributed to Dr Vicki Krause, Director of NT Centre for Disease Control and Chair of the Communicable Diseases Network Australia.
At this time there is no intention to recommend cancellation of the Arafura Games, due to start in Darwin on 9 May 2009, because of concerns about the Swine Influenza A strain. The situation is being continually monitored.
The Centre for Disease Control is liaising with the Games organisers and will continue to do so in the lead-up period and throughout the events of 9-17 May.
As stated by the Health Minister yesterday, the Northern Territory is well prepared to detect and treat any suspected cases of the Swine flu.
The NT Chief Health Officer and the Centre for Disease Control, are working closely with Commonwealth and State agencies to formulate public health advice and responses to this flu.
All NT hospital Emergency Departments have been alerted to notify the Centre for Disease Control of any patients who might show flu-like symptoms and who have travelled recently from the affected countries in the Americas.
Clinical advice has also been sent by the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer to Northern Territory GPs.
A Swine Influenza Health Alert poster will be placed in NT backpacker accommodation from today. The poster advises anyone who has
travelled recently in Mexico, Canada or the United States of America, and who experiences flu-like symptoms, to seek immediate medical attention from a doctor or Emergency Department, or to call the Centre for Disease Control on (08) 8922 8044.
Members of the public who have been in North America in the past 7 days and who have flu like symptoms are encouraged to contact their GP for a check-up and tests. They should ring in advance to let the practice know they are coming.
The Commonwealth Government has established a hotline for anyone with questions about the influenza outbreak. Travel advisories can be accessed at www.smartraveller.gov.au, 1300 555 135 or for overseas consular assistance +61 2 6261 3305. The Department of Health and Ageing website (www.health.gov.au) is also being updated as events develop.
The Australian Health Protection Committee (AHPC), is carefully monitoring unfolding events, and is convening regularly to review and adjust Australia's public health response as appropriate.
Media contact: Cameron Jackson 0401 116 144; Robin Osborne 0488 692 781
Release date: Tuesday 28 April 2009
