The following may be attributed to Dr Vicki Krause, Director of NT Centre forDisease Control and Chair of the Communicable Diseases Network Australia:
A negative pathology result has been returned for Influenza A testing on a Darwin man who recently visited the USA and reported flu-like symptoms after returning home.
The man attended a local GP clinic yesterday and pathology sampling was undertaken. He returned home with advice to remain within the home environment.
The testing indicated that his health status is clear. As a result, no further testing was required.
In accordance with nationwide process, a positive test for Influenza A would have necessitated further testing for the possibility of the Human Swine Influenza by the WHO reference laboratory in Melbourne.
Media contacts: Cameron Jackson, 0401 116 144, Robin Osborne, 0488 692 781
Release date: Thursday 30 April 2009
