Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Ottawa Public Health confirms H1N1 Swine Flu case
Ottawa - Dr. Isra Levy, Medical Officer of Health, advised that an individual from Ottawa has tested positive for the novel H1N1 strain of human swine influenza, and that the province is expected to confirm this later today.
As with most other reported cases in Ontario, the individual had recently travelled to Mexico. The individual is now recovering and Ottawa Public Health and the City of Ottawa request that the patient’s privacy is respected.
Swine influenza is a respiratory illness that causes flu-like symptoms. Symptoms may include fever, headache, severe fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat. Some of the more serious cases reported in Mexico have included severe respiratory distress. If individuals experience these flu-like symptoms, have a fever over 380C/100.4oF and have recently travelled to affected areas they are advised to limit close contact with others and to consult with their health care provider.
Residents are reminded of several simple measures they can take to minimize the risk of being infected. These steps include:
- washing your hands well and frequently
- coughing and sneezing into your sleeve instead of your hands
- staying home when you are sick
Ottawa Public Health has initiated enhanced surveillance measures to work with the health care community. Ottawa Public Health is in close communication with local first responders, health care providers and physicians as well as other public health agency partners, including provincial and federal agencies to protect the health and well-being of all residents and visitors to Ottawa.
For more information on human swine influenza go to www.ottawa.ca/residents/health/index_en.html
Contact: Public Affairs (613-580-2450), medias@ottawa.ca.
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