The Office of the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer advises that, to date, there have been no reported cases of severe respiratory illness in Manitoba associated with travel to Mexico or the United States.
As usual, individuals who currently have symptoms of a severe respiratory illness (fever, new or increasing cough or shortness of breath) should contact their health-care provider. Any travel history should be provided to the health-care provider.
As with any infectious respiratory disease, Manitobans are encouraged to use routine precautionary measures:
• Cover your cough by coughing into your elbow or sleeve or using a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection:
• Stay home from school or work and limit contact with others to reduce the chance of infecting them.
• Reduce the spread of germs by avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth and by washing your hands frequently.
• Contact your health-care provider if you are concerned that you may need care.
For current information on travel health notices, visit www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/pub-eng.php.
For links to more information, visit the website at www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth. For personal advice on self-care or when to seek further care, Manitobans can phone Health Links–Info Santé at 788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free).
