North Bay still free from Mexican Flu

As health officials in British Columbia confirm the first case of human-to-human spread of Swine (Mexican)Flu acting Medical Officer of Health Dr Jim Chirico confirmed once again that there are no current cases in the area. However, he did indicate that there are 7 cases currently under investigation.

Chirico also feels that it is likely that the status of the outbreak will be raised from level 5 to pandemic (level 6), and in light of this Chirico again confirmed that the health unit is prepared in fact they are currently identifying and preparing spots in North Bay, Parry Sound, Sturgeon Falls and other areas to act as Flu Centres.

Chirico says the local health unit’s pandemic plan has been in place since the early stages of the outbreak and that they continue to be vigilant in protecting the region. Chirico video, Flu Centres video

Symptoms include high fever, a lot of coughing, a headache, a sore throat, muscle or joint pain and shortness of breath. Chirico reminds everyone that currently there is no vaccine so to help prevent the spread of Swine Flu everyone needs to wash their hands.

Precautions video

Full details in the news release below.

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There are no confirmed cases of Mexico Influenza A (H1N1) virus in the North Bay Parry Sound area. The Health Unit is currently investigating some possible cases in the district, which is expected under these circumstances.

"The number of people under investigation fluctuates constantly,” said Dr. Jim Chirico, Acting Medical Officer of Health, for the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. “What is more important is the number of confirmed cases and the rate of increase or decrease in those numbers."

Dr. Chirico recommends anyone with mild or moderate flu symptoms, like fever, cough, headache, sore throat, or muscle and joint pain, to contact their health care provider or talk to a nurse at Telehealth. For those with more severe flu symptoms, especially shortness of breath, go to a hospital emergency room.

In general, everyone should take the following precautions.

1. Wash your hands well and often, with soap and warm, running water or hand sanitizer.

2. Sneeze or cough into your sleeve.

3. Clean and disinfect common surfaces.

4. Keep doing what you normally do, but stay home if you are sick.

In the wake of the World Health Organization increasing the Pandemic Alert Level to 5, coordinated efforts have been increased to reduce the spread of the Mexico Influenza A (H1N1) virus. Level 5 activities include:

International:

• Officials remain vigilant in screening and reporting of unusual influenza-like illnesses, particularly in travellers returning from Mexico.

• The Public Health Agency of Canada is assisting Mexico by testing its laboratory specimens for H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu).

• Quarantine Officers are now stationed at every Canadian airport receiving direct flights from Mexico to assess any ill passengers to provide advice and direction when treatment is needed.

Canada:

• Information from all sources is continually being received and assessed by the Public Health Agency of Canada to inform future actions.

• A travel health warning has been issued advising Canadians to postpone non-essential travel to Mexico.

Ontario:

• Daily coordination and information sharing conference calls are being held with provincial and territorial public health authorities and international partners.

North Bay Parry Sound area:

• Public health information, guidance and support is being provided to health care professionals.

• Prevention messages to contain the spread of Mexico Influenza A (H1N1) virus continues to be distributed for public use at an increased level throughout the North Bay Parry Sound area.

• Working with municipal partners to set up Flu Centers, as needed, to help alleviate pressure on physicians' offices, clinics and Emergency departments.

Anyone seeking general information about the Mexican Influenza A (H1N1) virus may:

• Call the Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-800-454-8302, 7 days a week, 8 am to 8 pm.

• Call the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 or 474-1400

• Visit www.fightflu.ca or www.healthunit.biz

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