Swine flu death toll reaches 18

The number of swine flu deaths in New Zealand reached 18 this week after a 67-year-old Auckland woman died from the virus, although some deaths were still being investigated by the coroner.

Since May, 3163 people have returned positive tests for swine flu, and as of today two people remained in hospital with the virus.

Meanwhile swine flu announcements on flights in and out of New Zealand have been suspended in response to a drop in the number of reported cases.

"The reported number of flu cases had declined to levels similar to the level at this time in the past two years. Influenza is still circulating, but this measure better reflects the reduced level of risk,'' the Ministry of Health said.

 A public health presence would be maintained at international airports and help would still be available for passengers identified as potentially sick, the ministry said.
 
Meanwhile, Medsafe has approved a two year extension to expiry dates currently shown on boxes of Tamiflu in New Zealand.

The extension comes after the manufacturer of Tamiflu showed evidence that the product continued to meet its safety and quality specifications for two years beyond the original date, and follows the same move by countries including United States, Canada and Australia.