A confirmed case of H1N1 flu has been reported in a female in the 10 to 19-year old age group, who is a resident of the Brandon health region.
The individual, who travelled to Mexico, the United States and British Columbia in mid- to late-April, is recovering from mild symptoms of an influenza illness that did not require hospitalization.
The individual attends Riverheights School in Brandon.
The regional medical officer of health for the Brandon region has advised there is currently no public health indication that this school, or any other school in the Brandon region, should be closed.
There have been no reports of severe respiratory illness resulting from H1N1 flu in Manitoba and no other confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in the province.
Public health staff will attend the Brandon school on Monday to provide additional public health information about H1N1 flu to school staff, students and parents.
If you have been travelling and a week has gone by since you left Mexico or other H1N1 flu‑affected areas and you do not have flu-like symptoms, you have no reason to worry about becoming ill from H1N1 flu resulting from your travels.
If you do develop flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, aches and tiredness, you may be contagious for up to a week after the beginning of your symptoms. You should:
• 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, covering your cough by coughing into your elbow or sleeve or using a tissue, and by washing your hands frequently.
• Contact your health-care provider or Health Links–Info Santé if you think you may need care.
All Manitobans are reminded to use routine precautionary measures:
• Cover a cough or sneeze by coughing or sneezing into your elbow or sleeve or using a tissue to cover your nose and mouth.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Maintain your health by making healthy food choices, being physically active and getting enough sleep.
There have been no reports the H1N1 virus has been transmitted through food. The usual food handling and cooking practices for all pork products still apply.
For personal advice on self-care or when to seek further care, Manitobans should contact their primary-care physician or other health-care provider or phone Health Links–Info Santé at 788‑8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free).
Provincial officials, regional health authorities and partners continue to work together to monitor the situation and ensure an appropriate response.
Food Safety and Animal Health
Monitoring swine in Manitoba for a variety of flu viruses remains an ongoing process as part of provincial measures to increase the health and safety preparedness of the pork industry. So far, there is no evidence this new virus is circulating in Manitoba swine herds.
Manitoba swine producers maintain strict bio-security measures in their barns and on their property, and are being reminded to continue these measures. For the industry to protect itself, it is necessary for producers to restrict access to their barns and swine herds to authorized personnel who adhere to the high sanitary requirements that can prevent the introduction of the flu virus into their facility. People who are ill or have flu symptoms should not go into pig or poultry production facilities.
Owners of hobby farms with small numbers of swine are encouraged to monitor their livestock for flu symptoms and contact their veterinarian should these symptoms arise.
As per usual, pigs undergo health inspections both before and after slaughter.
The Manitoba government has been in contact with the Manitoba Chicken Producers, Manitoba Egg Producers and Manitoba Pork Council to share information with swine and poultry producers and all local veterinarians on the H1N1 virus.
Manitoba veterinarians and the pork industry are constantly monitoring for new diseases. Swine flu among pigs is not unusual and is not usually fatal in swine. Swine flu has existed in Canada and Manitoba for a number of years. Owners of pets like dogs or cats do not need to be concerned about the H1N1 flu. Owners of pet pigs should be aware swine and humans can trade viruses so they should follow the usual precautions, monitor the health of their pet and call a veterinarian if it shows signs of illness.
For links to more information, visit the H1N1 flu website at www.manitoba.ca.
