The Ministry of Health is concerned at the increase in the number of people who are being hospitalised with H1N1 Swine Flu.
Schools and early childhood services are generally the first places where changes to patterns in community infection appear. To closely monitor numbers of cases, the Ministry of Health has asked that you contact your local DHB if:
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the numbers of absences because of illness are significantly above those you would normally expect from seasonal flu at this time of year. (NB many schools and early childhood services expect an absenteeism rate of around 15 per cent at this time of year.)
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you think there is something unusual about the rate or nature of illness.
This is a change from the previous request which asked that you inform the Ministry of Health if absences were above 30 per cent.
While most cases of swine flu remain mild, there is an increase in the number requiring hospital treatment. Data from the education sector is vital to track the rate of increase and ensuring health services are prepared.
Key contact points
Public health units
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/contact-us-public-health-services [2]
For medical advice HEALTHLINE 0800 611 116 or www.moh.govt.nz [3]
For more information
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Ministry of Education regional and local office managers
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Education Helpline 0800 225 580
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New Zealand School Trustees Association Helpdesk: 0800 STAHELP (0800 782 435) Fax: (04) 473 4706 helpdesk [at] nzsta [dot] org [dot] nz (helpdesk [at] nzsta [dot] org [dot] nz)