SWINE FLU EPIDEMIC
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA PROVIDES UPDATE ON PREVENTION MEASURES BEING TAKEN REGARDING SWINE FLU
April 28, 2009 3:55 pm
For immediate release
(OTTAWA) Minister of Health Leona Aglukkaq and Chief Public Health Officer Dr. David Butler-Jones today provided an update to Canadians on further actions that have been taken by the Government of Canada in the management of the swine flu outbreak. The federal government continues to work closely with the provinces and territories and international partners to protect the health and safety of Canadians.
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 swine flu 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
NFORMATION APRIL 2009
I
BACKGROUND ON GOVERNMENT ACTIONS
The Government of Canada is taking action on a number of fronts, including:
- Public Information:
- A travel health warning has been issued advising Canadians to postpone non-essential travel to Mexico;
- Frequently asked questions have been posted to the Public Health Agency of Canada website www.phac.gc.ca;
- A 1-800 information line, namely 1-800-454-8302, is available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) where Canadians can get more information;
- An information bulletin with health advice is being distributed to incoming travellers to Canada to remind them of simple health precautions; and
- Public health guidance documents are being provided to health care professionals.
- Monitoring and Coordination:
- The Government’s Emergency Operations Centre has been elevated to full activation (Level 4), operating 24 hours a day and seven days a week;
- Daily coordination and information sharing conference calls are being held with provincial and territorial public health authorities and international partners; and,
- Officials remain vigilant in screening and reporting of unusual influenza-like illnesses, particularly in travellers returning from Mexico.
- Laboratory Testing:
- Provincial and territorial laboratories have been asked to send any unidentifiable influenza viruses and samples from patients with severe respiratory illnesses to Canada’s National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg, which is now operating 24 hours a day and seven days a week
The Public Health Agency advises Canadians to:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer
- Cough and sneeze in your arm or sleeve
- Keep doing what you normally do, but stay home if sick
- Check the www.fightflu.ca for more information
- Check www.voyage.gc.ca for travel notices and advisories
- Talk to a health professional if you experience flu-like symptoms
-30-
Human swine influenza in Mexico, Reports of Human Swine Influenza in Me…g: Migration and Travel Health Division, Public Health Agency of Canada
Human Swine Influenza in Mexico - Warning
Released: April 27, 2009
l Travel Health Warning
l Recommendations for Travellers
l About Human Swine Influenza
l Don’t Forget…
l Other Related Information
Travel Health Warning
The Government of Mexico has reported an outbreak of human swine influenza throughout
Mexico. This strain of swine influenza virus has never been identified in humans before. The
number of reported cases, as well as deaths, has risen steadily throughout the month of April
and is now affecting most regions of Mexico.
As of April 27 2009, travellers from Canada are recommended to postpone elective or
non-essential travel to Mexico until further notice.
The Public Health Agency of Canada along with the World Health Organization continues to
monitor the situation in Mexico. Please visit PHAC’s web site often for updates.
Recommendations for Travellers
Postpone elective or non-essential travel to Mexico until further notice
If you go to Mexico,
1. Wash your hands frequently
1. By washing your hands with soap under warm running water, you will reduce
your chance of getting the flu.
2. Alcohol-based hand gel can also be used if soap and water are not readily
available. It’s a good idea to keep some with you in your pocket or purse when
you travel.
2. Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette
1. Cover your mouth and/or nose to reduce the spread of germs. Remember to
wash your hands afterwards.
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/2009/hsf-mexico-090427-eng.php?option=print (1 of 3)2009-04-28 2:27:33 AM
Human swine influenza in Mexico, Reports of Human Swine Influenza in Me…g: Migration and Travel Health Division, Public Health Agency of Canada
3. Try to avoid contact with people who appear to have a respiratory illness
4. Monitor this website and the Mexican Ministry of Health website and the World
Health Organization websites frequently for updates on the situation and
recommendations.
5. Pay attention to local government and public health announcements including any
movement restrictions and prevention recommendations.
6. Get vaccinated against seasonal influenza
7. If you are at risk of severe illness from influenza (for example, persons with chronic
conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, elderly or children under 2
years of age), see your health care provider before you travel.
If you develop symptoms of human swine influenza:
1. While on travel:
1. Seek medical care.
1. A list of physicians can be obtained through the nearest Canadian Embassy
or consulate. A listing of these establishments can be accessed through
the web site of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
.
2. When back in Canada:
1. If you develop respiratory illness with fever and cough within 7 days of your
departure from Mexico, you are advised to:
1. Stay at home and avoid contact with others until you no longer have
symptoms
2. Wash your hands frequently
3. Cough and sneeze into your sleeve and not your hand
4. Contact your health care provider to inform him/her of your symptoms and
recent travel history to Mexico and to help determine if treatment is
recommended
2. Should your symptoms worsen:
1. Before seeking medical attention, it is recommended that you call ahead to
your health care provider or urgent care facility to inform them of your
symptoms and your recent travel history.
About Human Swine Influenza
l Swine influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) is a respiratory infection that causes outbreaks of
influenza in pigs.
l Sporadic human infections with swine influenza have occurred in the past; however, these
are usually caused by direct exposure to pigs.
l Sustained human -to- human transmission of swine influenza has not previously been
been documented.
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/2009/hsf-mexico-090427-eng.php?option=print (2 of 3)2009-04-28 2:27:33 AM
Human swine influenza in Mexico, Reports of Human Swine Influenza in Me…g: Migration and Travel Health Division, Public Health Agency of Canada
Symptoms
l Usually includes symptoms similar to seaonal influenza (flu) including headache, chills,
cough followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose, sneezing,
watery eyes and throat irritation
l Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur in adults as well as in children
l In more severe cases, or in people with chronic conditions, complications such as
pneumonia may develop.
Don’t Forget…
1. Consult a health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic before you travel. It is best
if this visit takes place at least 6 weeks before departure.
2. What to do if you get sick when you are travelling.
3. What to do if you get sick after you return to Canada.
4. Know what vaccines to get and when to get them.
Other Related Information
l Fact Sheet on Seasonal Influenza (Flu) and Travel from the Public Health Agency of
Canada
l Public Health Agency of Canada - Information on Influenza
l Other information for Canadian travellers in Mexico, including accessing a list of possible
physicians: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT)
Date
Modified: 2009-04-23
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/2009/hsf-mexico-090427-eng.php?option=print (3 of 3)2009-04-28 2:27:33 AM