17th swine flu death in New Zealand

Swine flu has claimed a 17th life in New Zealand following the death of a 30-year-old Auckland male.

The Health Ministry's latest figures show 17 deaths in New Zealand where swine flu was the primary cause. The latest victim died in Auckland yesterday and had an underlying condition.

Other deaths are being investigated by the Coroner's office.

The last casualty was a Waikato woman with underlying medical conditions who died in an Auckland hospital.

The rate of infection has slumped since the new flu strain's rapid spread began in April, with only three confirmed cases since Friday. There have now been 3130 laboratory-confirmed cases, the ministry said.

The ministry has also revealed that between 12 and 15 percent of people who are hospitalised in New Zealand with swine flu require treatment in intensive care units, a rate similar to other countries.

- © Fairfax NZ News