Suspected swine flu cases in NZ takes big drop

The number of suspected swine flu cases in New Zealand has dropped markedly.

The Ministry of Health reported this afternoon that there were 50 suspected cases, down 18 since this morning.

The number of confirmed cases remained at seven and the number of probable cases stayed at 12, unchanged since Saturday.

The ministry said exact figures for the number of people in isolation or quarantine and being treated with Tamiflu were unavailable - but there were estimated to be fewer than 70.

"The fact that the number of confirmed and probable cases have remained stable suggests that our border control and containment measures are proving effective," deputy director of public health Fran McGrath said.

- NZPA