New Zealand step up influenza A/H1N1 measures at airport

Special Report:
World Tackles A/H1N1
Flu

WELLINGTON, May 3 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand health authorities dealing
with influenza A/H1N1 were stepping up their efforts to gather information from
passengers arriving at Auckland International Airport, according to local media
report on Sunday.

Previously, only passengers arriving on flights from North America had been
asked to provide extra details, such as contact telephone numbers, Radio New
Zealand reported.

All passengers flying into New Zealand from any destination will now be
asked to fill out a form, Radio New Zealand quoted Health Minister Tony Ryall as
saying.

He said this is a precautionary step, so improved contact information is
available to the authorities if there are further cases of swine flu.

The Ministry of Health said that within New Zealand there are now four
confirmed cases of swine flu, 12 probable cases and 101 suspected cases.

On Saturday, 269 people were isolation and being treated with Tamiflu - 119
fewer than the day before.

New Zealand authorities will screen all passengers who are flying out of
the country to Niue for influenza-type symptoms, at the request of the island's
government.

Ryall said public health staff at Auckland International Airport will
monitor the 110 or so passengers who catch the weekly flight to Niue.

He said Niue's request follows a recent outbreak of influenza on the
island.