Government of Canada Provides Update on Prevention Measures Being Taken Regarding Human Swine Influenza

The Government of Alberta has confirmed two cases, the Government of Ontario has confirmed four cases and the Government of British Columbia has confirmed one additional case of human swine influenza in each of their provinces.  This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Canada to 13, with four cases from Nova Scotia and two cases from British Columbia announced previously. All cases are the same strain of human swine influenza that has been found in the U.S. and Mexico. To date, all of the confirmed cases in Canada have been mild.

“Today’s new cases were anticipated by public health officials and they do not change our course of action, “ said Minister Aglukkaq. “We recognize that the Canadian cases have been mild to date, but we are taking this situation very seriously. An enormous amount of work is being done by health officials throughout the country to monitor the situation, plan for the future, and make the best decisions possible for the health of Canadians.”
 
“In Canada, we are well-positioned to deal with this.  We are following our national plan and working to mitigate the effects of a possible pandemic,” said Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer. “That said, we have decided to move ahead with a travel health warning for Mexico recommending against non-essential travel to that country.”

The Public Health Agency of Canada issued a travel health warning yesterday that recommends Canadians postpone non-essential travel to Mexico.  Travellers arriving from Mexico are receiving information bulletins with health advice and are being screened for illness by border officers.

Canadians are encouraged to access updated information on Human Swine Influenza through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website, www.phac-aspc.gc.ca or by calling 1-800-454-8302.

A backgrounder on some of the actions the federal government is taking and the measures Canadians should take to protect themselves is attached.

Media Inquiries:

Andrew McDermott
Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 941-8189

A Note from The Langley Emergency Program:

There is much information out there regarding the “Swine Flu” that is making its way around the world.  Please remember that every year we are exposed to different strains of influenza, we deal with it and carry on.   The Langley Emergency Program is keeping their eye on the information, processing it, and ensuring that all precautions or concerns are brought to light in a timely matter. 

To note, the ‘swine flu’ is actually classified as an H1N1 virus; including strains from the Swine Flu, Avian Flu and Human Flu.  Keep this in mind as you read and process different information sources.  It is up to individuals to be vigilant in keeping themselves informed and their family safe by following the simple yet effective precautions shared by all health authorities.

The Public Health Agency advises Canadians to:

1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer
2. Cough and sneeze in your arm or sleeve
3. Keep doing what you normally do, but stay home if sick
4. Check the news and below sites for more information
5. Check for travel notices and advisories (link below)
6. Talk to a health professional if you experience flu-like symptoms

Below is a Good map that shows how this H1N1 virus is affecting the world: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8021547.stm

Additional information can be found at:

Public can call:  HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, 24 hours a day/seven days a week if they have questions/concerns, or if feeling ill.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at:

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm

World Health Organization:  

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

Public Health Agency of Canada

Travel Health Warning: 

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/2009/hsf-mexico-090427-eng.php

Information on Government of Canada actions: 

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/media/nr-rp/2009/2009_0427_a-eng.php

General Influenza Information: 

http://www.fightflu.ca/index-eng.html