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CKI News
Tue, 18 Aug 2009
RAROTONGA, Cook Islands ------- Cook Islands has reported its first death associated with swine flu (Influenza A H1N1) – a 36-year-old Kiwi female visitor who died in Arorangi last month, reports Cook Islands News.
The woman was found to have an underlying respiratory disease, understood to be asthma.
Cook Islands ministry of health has issued a pandemic influenza update announcing that the total number of laboratory confirmed cases now stands at 38.
The new number represents an increase of 20 cases since the last update of 03 August.
On Monday the number of cases jumped from 18 to 20 and since then more test results have been received by the ministry.
Of the 38 cases of swine flu reported over the past two months, 27 are males and cases are ranging in ages of between 5-14 years (12 cases), 15-24 years (16), 25-44 years (8), and 45-64 years (2). Of the recently confirmed cases just one was a visitor from overseas.
“The current trends demonstrate well established community transmission.
“Ongoing community awareness activities are important with emphasis on promoting infection control measures at games, school, work and home,” says the ministry.
In the meantime, intensive care services at the hospital are being strengthened with the assistance of Cook Islander Dr Ted Hughes, an intensive care specialist who is providing cover for the World Youth Netball Championships and the Pacific Mini Games next month.
Public health doctors from selected Pacific countries attending the Games will also be supported through the World Health Organisation (WHO) to travel to Rarotonga during that time to assist the local community health services for medical services surge capacity as needed.
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