CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS TESTED FOR H1N1 VIRUS

Original Report

Queensland Health authorities are assisting their New South Wales counterparts in trying to contain the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus following confirmation that
some passengers on a cruise ship that docked in Sydney have tested positive to the disease.

Queensland residents were among those who spent time on the ship and 13
members of two Gold Coast district families were last night treated in the Gold Coast Hospital emergency department with most of them reporting flu-like symptoms.

Two of the 13, an eight-year-old and a 37-year-old, remained in isolation in hospital overnight. The others returned home and will remain in isolation.

All have received anti-viral medication and have been tested. The results are expected to be known later today. It is believed all 13 disembarked from the ship in Sydney yesterday and travelled to the Gold Coast by plane.
New South Wales Health has requested assistance from Queensland to help contact trace some airline passengers.

ENDS
Media Contact : Roger Plastow 3406 7632 or 0407 131 115

Credibility:     

0