No confirmed cases of swine flu in Ontario

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
News Release

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TORONTO - Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams says that there are no confirmed cases of swine flu in Ontario.

Like other jurisdictions in Canada, Ontario became aware of this potential health issue last week.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care moved immediately to provide information to the province's medical officers of health.

An important health notice (IHN) was issued to the health care sector asking for extra vigilance regarding cases of severe respiratory illness with a travel history to Mexico.

The IHN also provided advice on screening, lab testing and case reporting.

IHNs are issued by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in response to abnormal events that require ministry direction or instruction.

The ministry will continue its surveillance efforts across the province using established public health practices and protocols.

Ontario is working very closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada and all provinces and territories on this issue.

Quotes

"I want to emphasize that Ontario has an excellent public health surveillance system. Ontarians should feel confident that their health care providers are closely monitoring the situation and the system is in place to respond."

- Dr. David Williams, Ontario's acting chief medical officer of health.

"Ontario is well-positioned to deal with this situation. We have a strong public health system in this province. I have the utmost confidence in the ability of public health professionals to manage any health issue that might arise."

- David Caplan, minister of health and long-term care.

Quick facts

- People returning from Mexico who have symptoms of respiratory illness should contact their health care provider or call TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

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Swine influenza - advice for veterinarians and swine producers

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is currently coordinating the Canadian response to this situation, and the CFIA is providing support and expertise as required.

For more information, www.phac-aspc.gc.ca

At this point, there are no signs of increased disease or death in Canadian swine.

However, as a precaution, the CFIA is asking producers, veterinarians and labs to increase their vigilance in monitoring for and reporting swine disease.

Suspected cases of illness in pigs should be reported to veterinarians, provincial authorities or the CFIA.

Similarly, PHAC recommends that anyone who is experiencing severe flu-like symptoms contact their health care provider.

What is swine influenza?

Swine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease of pigs.

The disease is commonly seen in North and South America, Asia and Europe.

Illness is caused by type A Influenza viruses, which also affect a range of other animals, as well as humans.

Are humans affected by swine influenza?

Yes, but human cases of swine influenza are normally uncommon.

Most often, cases involve people who have had close contact with pigs, such as farmers and veterinarians.

Some cases of human-to-human transmission have been reported.

Symptoms of human illness are similar to regular flu: cough, nausea, body aches, fatigue, runny nose and congestion.

Although the risk of human illness is low, anyone having contact with pigs or potentially contaminated equipment should thoroughly wash their hands and limit contact with possibly infected pigs.

Swine, avian and human influenza viruses can combine within pig cells to form new influenza viruses.

Flu-like symptoms in swine or people that may have had contact with swine should be reported to animal or public health professionals.

Doing so will allow health authorities to maintain a current understanding of the viruses circulating in the animal and human populations.

What are the symptoms in pigs?

Signs of swine influenza include the following:

- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Difficulty breathing
- Reduced fertility or abortion

Swine influenza generally does not lead to death, and affected animals usually recover within five to seven days.

How do pigs become infected?

Normally, virus spreads when infected pigs cough or sneeze in close quarters with other pigs.

Contaminated equipment or other objects may also play a role in transmitting virus.

Influenza virus from birds and humans can also infect pigs.

How can pigs be protected?

The following actions can potentially prevent swine influenza:

- Vaccinating animals.

- Ensuring farm working maintain good hygiene.

- Following strict biosecurity practices.

- Providing adequate ventilation in barns.

- Identifying and segregating sick animals as early as possible.

What roles do veterinarians and producers play?

Veterinarians should work closely with clients to develop management strategies to limit the incidence and spread of swine influenza.

As part of this approach, veterinarians suffering from the “flu” should limit contact with pigs, and farm workers should follow similar advice. Given the current situation, particular caution should be exercised with visitors to farms, especially those who may have recently returned from the southern United States or Mexico.

Does swine influenza affect food safety?

No, swine influenza is not a food safety concern.

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