No additional confirmed cases of H1N1 flu have been reported in Manitoba.
One confirmed case of H1N1 flu has been identified in a 10- to 19-year-old female who is a resident of the Brandon health region. The individual has recovered from symptoms of a mild influenza illness and did not require hospitalization.
It is anticipated that more cases of H1N1 flu have occurred and will occur in the province. This is not unlike a typical flu season that sees both mild and severe cases of influenza in Manitoba. As with any influenza type, most cases are expected to be mild while some would be expected to be severe.
Appropriate infection control practices such as hand washing are recommended in all settings including schools. School closures will be directed by the minister of education, citizenship and youth based on consultation with the chief provincial public health officer or the regional medical officer of health. A letter from the province has been sent to school divisions and schools outlining the recommended approach.
If you have symptoms of flu-like illness 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 the virus by avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth, covering your cough by coughing or sneezing 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 are concerned 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.
• To reduce the possibility of becoming severely ill, 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. There is no scientific reason at this time for people to be worried about getting the flu from eating pork.
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).
Health Sector Planning and Response
Manitoba Health and Healthy Living has provided clinical-care guidelines and infection prevention and control guidelines for health-care workers in managing suspect/known cases of influenza-like illness including health-care settings, community settings, physicians’ offices and first responders.
Regional health authorities are prepared to establish specialized clinics if required to more appropriately manage suspected cases of H1N1 flu.
Provincial officials, regional health authorities and partners continue to work together to monitor the situation and ensure an appropriate response. The province is also working closely with the federal government.
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 are expected to 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 which, if identified, are reported to the chief veterinary officer and the chief provincial public health officer. 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 significant illness.
For links to more information, visit the H1N1 flu website at www.manitoba.ca.
