News

SIMCOE, ON- June 15, 2009- The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit has received positive laboratory confirmation of an H1N1 flu virus in Norfolk County. This is the first confirmed case in Norfolk County. The first positive case in Haldimand County was confirmed last week.

The identified case has no connection with travel to Mexico and the 48 year old individual was not required to be hospitalized and has recovered.

It is not unexpected that a case was identified in our area, based on the numbers that have been seen across Ontario. The case in Norfolk County is one of 1,781 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.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Keep common surfaces such as doorknobs and counters clean
• Stay home if you are ill.

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