Public Advisory: Province Records First Case of H1N1 Influenza Virus

The Department of Health and Community Services has confirmed the province�s first case of influenza due to the H1N1 influenza virus. The case was confirmed earlier today at the Public Health Laboratory from a specimen sent from the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor.

�As other Canadian jurisdictions have recorded cases of H1N1 influenza, we anticipated it would be only a matter of time before Newfoundland and Labrador recorded its first case,� said Dr. Faith Stratton, Chief Medical Officer of Health. "We should expect to see other cases over the summer months and into the fall flu season. As in other parts of Canada, we can expect cases to be mild and similar to the seasonal influenza that we see every year. I would like to reassure residents of Central Newfoundland and across the province that there is no cause to be overly concerned. We must continue with our personal prevention efforts to reduce the risk of becoming infected with the virus and spreading it to others.�

The case is a young man who experienced typical symptoms of influenza, was seen at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre on Thursday, and has since recovered.

Public health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador remain vigilant in monitoring the situation through heightened surveillance protocols across the province as set out earlier when the H1N1 virus was identified.

Prevention is the best approach to protect against influenza.  Individuals are advised to take precautions around general hygiene and public health.  Clean, Cover and Contain is the recommended approach.

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 should stay home to minimize contact with others and to 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 updated information on the H1N1 virus visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca. Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador can also contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Healthline at 1-888-709-2929. 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 13                                                        5:35 p.m.