North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit advises that a number of severe respiratory illness (SRI) cases are occurring in various locations of south and central Mexico. At this time, no cases have been reported outside of Mexico. Physicians and local healthcare workers are asked to actively watch for cases of SRI, especially in people who have returned from Mexico within the last two weeks.

The people in Mexico who have SRI began with influenza-like symptoms that rapidly progressed to severe respiratory distress in about 5 days, with many requiring mechanical ventilation. Some patients have died. Most people who became ill were previously healthy young adults aged between 25-44 years old. Some health care workers have also been affected.

The Health Unit notified physicians, hospitals, and walk-in clinics within the North Bay Parry Sound catchment area. If you have visited Mexico in the last two weeks and have influenza-like symptoms (eg: fever, cough, sore throat, muscle or joint aches, shortness of breath) seek medical attention.

To stay healthy and prevent the spread of infections, the Health Unit recommends:

• Wash your hands well and often.
• Sneeze and cough into your upper sleeve.
• Stay at home when you are ill.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.

The Health Unit will provide more information as it becomes available.

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