Five people in NSW will be tested for the deadly swine influenza that has swept across Mexico, killing at least 103 people.NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said four people in Sydney and one on the Central Coast would be tested for the virus, and results would be expected by the end of the week."We are saying that they are suspected cases,'' Dr Chant said. "But obviously we are acting in a precautionary way and asking them to remain isolated."
Swine flu facts: What is it? How do people become infected? Queensland activates pandemic plan VIDEO: Swine flu heading to AustraliaMexico's health secretary Jose Angel Cordova said the number of suspected swine flu cases in Mexico had risen to 1614, including 103 deaths. Authorities are still trying to confirm how many were caused by the deadly new virus strain, which has shown up in as many as seven other countries and has caused the US to declare a health emergency. Two Queenslanders feared to have contracted swine flu have tested negative to the new influenza strain, it was revealed today.One person from the Gold Coast and one from Brisbane had been struck down with flu-like symptoms after travelling to Mexico.A spokesperson for Queensland Premier Anna Bligh today said tests on the two people were negative, however doctors would continue to be on high alert for any patients presenting with flu-like symptoms.The World Health Organisation has warned that the new influenza strain has "pandemic potential''.Across Australia, hospital emergency departments and GPs have been alerted to take mouth swabs and report cases of returning travellers with flu-like illnesses.In New Zealand, three teachers and 22 senior students from Auckland's Rangitoto College exhibiting flu-like symptoms were kept in isolation after they returned on Saturday after a three-week language trip to Mexico. The New Zealand Government announced 10 of those students had tested positive for influenza A and were believed ``likely'' to have contracted swine flu. Samples from the students have been sent to a WHO laboratory in Melbourne. Australia's chief medical officer Jim Bishop said the results of those tests would be known within the next 48 hours.Professor Bishop said it was unclear whether the virus - which has elements of pig and bird flu strains - had yet evolved to pass directly between humans."That's always a concern. We don't have much evidence of second generation, person-to-person transmission," he said."We're after that information."Professor Bishop said Australians had good access to the anti-viral medicines Tamiflu and Relenza, which reduce the severity of illness caused by the new virus.The Australian Medical Association said Australia was well prepared to deal with a swine flu outbreak if one were to occur.The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade updated its travel advisory yesterday to warn travellers of the influenza outbreak."You should consult a doctor or the nearest hospital immediately if you develop flu-like symptoms. Travellers may be asked to declare their state of health at Mexico's international airports prior to departure," the website states.
