News

SIMCOE, ON- June 8, 2009- The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit has received positive laboratory confirmation of an H1N1 flu virus case in Haldimand County. To date there have been no confirmed H1N1 cases in Norfolk.

The identified case has no connection with travel to Mexico and the 25 year old individual was not required to be hospitalized and is recovering at home.

It is not unexpected that a case would be identified in our area, based on the numbers that have been seen across Ontario. The case in Haldimand County is one of 969 cases throughout Ontario. The majority of the cases to date have been considered mild.

Symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus are similar to seasonal influenza (flu) including, 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.

The public are advised to take the usual measures to reduce the risk of spreading communicable disease:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and hot water or use an alcohol-hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, use a tissue or sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm.
• Make sure your vaccinations, especially your flu shot, are up-to-date.
• Stay home if you are ill.

Media Contact:
Stacey Guthrie
Infection Control Practitioner
Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit
519-426-6170 Ext. 3270
[email protected]