Swine flu cases on rise

Ten reported cases of swine flu in the Waikato over the past two weeks could be "the tip of the iceberg", according to health authorities.

The 10 cases, in people of all age groups, have been notified to Waikato District Health Board's Population Health, and medical officer of health Anita Bell today warned people with symptoms to be "vigilant".

"Waikato health professionals are beginning to see a number of people presenting with influenza A H1N1, the strain that was circulating last year as `swine flu' – several of whom have been admitted to hospital," she said.

"However this will be the tip of the iceberg as many cases will have mild symptoms and not require health intervention."

She said authorities had not seen anyone with life-threatening symptoms. Last week the Health Ministry confirmed that a North Island man with pre-existing health concerns had died of swine flu.

- © Fairfax NZ News