North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit News Release
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Dr. Jim Chirico, Acting Medical Officer of Health for the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, advises there are two lab confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza in the North Bay Parry Sound area. These are the first confirmed cases for this health unit’s district.
“The individuals are not hospitalized and have recovered. They were knowledgeable about H1N1and did not go to work or expose others while ill. This shows our messaging is working and taking these steps help prevent the spread.” reports Dr. Chirico. “We were expecting to eventually have cases in our district so this is not a surprise. We are prepared and will continue to monitor the situation.”
World Confirmed Cases 52,160 Deaths 231
Canada Confirmed Cases 6,457 Deaths 15
Ontario Confirmed Cases 2,665 Deaths 3
NBPSDHU Confirmed Cases 2 Deaths 0
(World, Canada and Ontario case #’s are current as of June 22, 2009 at 3:00 pm)
It is important to remember that the numbers of cases are not as significant as the severity of the illness. Globally, most people affected with H1N1 are recovering at home without medical treatment. In Canada most infections to date have been mild.
The Health Unit advises everyone to take an active role in protecting their health. The best way to do this is to stay informed and to practice basic infection control measures. In general, everyone should:
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.
Dr. Chirico recommends anyone with mild to moderate flu symptoms, like fever, cough, headache, sore throat, or muscle and joint pain, contact their health care provider or call Telehealth. For those with more severe flu symptoms, especially shortness of breath, go to a hospital emergency room.
QUICK FACTS
Symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) are similar to seasonal influenza (flu) including headache, chills and cough followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur in adults as well as in children. In more severe cases, or in people with chronic conditions, complications such as pneumonia may develop.
People who have symptoms of influenza-like illness should contact their health care provider or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
• For more information about H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu):
o www.health.gov.on.ca
o www.fightflu.ca
o www.healthunit.biz
o Or call the Health Unit at (705) 474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808.
