Health and Community Services
June 12, 2009
Province Remains Vigilant as WHO Declares H1N1 Pandemic
The Department of Health and Community Services continues to be ready to
respond to pandemic influenza. Heightened surveillance protocols are in
place to detect infection with the H1N1 influenza virus in the province.
The department continues to work with national and other provincial
committees and experts on vaccine and other issues.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the pandemic level to six
and declared a full pandemic. To date, Newfoundland and Labrador has no
reported cases of H1N1 influenza and public health officials continue to
monitor the situation closely.
This is the WHO's highest alert phase, and indicates that the virus has
spread throughout the globe with infection spreading in the community
setting. It does not mean that the H1N1 virus is causing more severe
disease. The increase to phase six means that other countries have been
added to the list of those with confirmed cases and that it can be
expected the number of cases will increase into the next flu season.
Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as other jurisdictions, is continuing
with the plan set out earlier when the H1N1 virus was identified as a
potential pandemic and will not change as a result of the WHO decision.
For protection against influenza, individuals should be aware and take
precautions around general hygiene and public health. Individuals are
reminded to:
Clean: wash hands regularly with soap and
water or hand sanitizer.
Cover: use a tissue or arm to cover coughs and sneezes as
opposed to the hands which frequently touch other surfaces and
people.
Contain: stay at home so that the illness is not spread to
others.
Individuals with influenza-like symptoms (fever, chills, cough, general
aches and pains) should stay home to minimize contact with others and
treat the symptoms of the illness. If symptoms worsen or if there are
other health concerns, call a health care professional. A doctor will
determine what, if any, testing or treatment may be required.
For the latest information visit the Public Health Agency of Canada
website at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
or call toll-free, Monday � Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. The
number is: 1-800-454-8302. Information from the World Health
Organization can be found at www.who.int.
Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador can also contact the Newfoundland
and Labrador Healthline at 1-888-709-2929.
The department continues to work closely with provincial and territorial
partners, as well as the Public Health Agency of Canada, to continually
assess the situation. Public updates will be provided when necessary.
Information can also be found on the department�s website at
www.gov.nl.ca/health
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Media contact:
Ronalda Walsh
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-0753, 685-1741
ronaldawalsh@gov.nl.ca
2009 06 12
4:05 p.m.
