Health and Community Services
June 18, 2009
Additional Cases of H1N1 Confirmed in Province
Two additional cases of H1N1 influenza have been confirmed at the
Public Health Laboratory. These were identified from specimens sent from
the Central Regional Health Authority and the Eastern Regional Health
Authority. This now brings the provincial total to five confirmed cases
of H1N1 influenza in Newfoundland and Labrador.
As in other parts of Canada, it is expected additional cases will be
identified and it is anticipated cases will be mild and similar to the
seasonal influenza.
The best approach to protect against influenza is prevention.
Individuals should take precautions around general hygiene and public
health.
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.
If individuals have influenza-like symptoms, they should stay home to
minimize contact with others and to treat the symptoms of the illness.
If symptoms worsen, call a health care professional. A doctor will
determine what, if any, testing or treatment may be required.
Public updates will be provided when necessary. The public is
encouraged to visit the Department of Health and Community Services�
website at www.gov.nl.ca/health or the Public Health Agency of Canada
website at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca for updated information. Residents of
Newfoundland and Labrador can also contact the provincial HealthLine at
1-888-709-2929 for information.
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Media contact:
Ronalda Walsh
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 685-1741
ronaldawalsh@gov.nl.ca
2006 06 18 3:40 p.m.
