News

SIMCOE, ON- June 29, 2009- The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit has received confirmation of a second H1N1 flu virus case in Haldimand County. To date there have been two confirmed H1N1 cases in Haldimand County, and one confirmed in Norfolk County.

“World Health Organization announced on June 11th, 2009, that the pandemic alert level was raised to Phase 6, meaning the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic has been met” explained Dr. Malcolm Lock, Medical Officer of Health. “There have been over 50,000 confirmed cases of H1N1 reported across 100 countries. We are not surprised to have cases locally, as the virus is transmitted person to person.” The Health Unit is continuing to closely monitor the situation worldwide, and actively coordinating the local public health response with provincial and federal public health authorities.

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.

Dr Arlene King, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health states “There continues to be a lot of activity with the H1N1 flu virus and Ontarians should remain vigilant in monitoring their health and those of their loved ones.”

People can protect themselves and those around them by:

• Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and hot water or use an alcohol-hand sanitizer.
• Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, use a tissue or sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm.
• Not sharing objects that have been in other people’s mouths, such as toothbrushes, drinks and water bottles, unwashed utensils, cigarettes, and lip products.
• Frequent cleaning commonly touched surfaces such as keyboards, doorknobs, countertops, light switches etc
• Staying home if you are ill.

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