I work in Qld Health and we've been receiving email updates twice a day. Here's the latest without the media panic.
Dear Colleagues
Below is the latest update regarding Queenslands swine flu response:- There are no confirmed cases of swine flu in Queensland or Australia
- The number of suspect cases in Queensland is now 8.
- The World Health Organisation announced a move from phase four to phase five.
- Queensland Health is planning, in cooperation with the Commonwealth Government, what to do should a pandemic eventuate in Australia.
- All seven of the Queensland based travellers who were on board the New Zealand flight that had confirmed passengers with swine flu, have now been contacted and have received appropriate medical care.
- Yesterday, all eight international airports in Australia went on alert.Under positive pratique, the pilot of an aircraft is required to report on the condition of passengers and crew before landing.
- Thermal scanning of incoming passengers from aboard international flights has commenced. As well, all passengers aboard all international flights will be asked to complete a health declaration card.
- Two Queensland Health nurses are now at Brisbane, Cairns and Gold Coast airports to assess any patients who are sick.
- We continue to reinforce to the public the importance of taking precautions to reduce the risk of influenza infection and seek medical advice if experiencing flu-like symptoms.
- The Queensland Health website for swine influenza is updated daily www.health.qld.gov.au/swineflu
Regards
Dr Jeannette Young
Chief Health Officer