Chatham-Kent officials prepared for swine flu, although no cases in Ontario

Human cases of swine influenza have been identified in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and other countries are reporting suspect cases under investigation.

Most cases outside of Mexico are exhibiting mild symptoms thus far.

The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit continues to closely monitor the situation and is in direct communication with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

Chatham-Kent Public Health officials said in a release that at present there are no reported cases of swine influenza in Ontario.

Both the MOHLTC and PHAC are working collaboratively with international health partners to protect the health
and safety of all Canadians.

Canada is well positioned to deal with the current situation; a national plan exists for international disease outbreaks.

The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit released the Chatham-Kent Pandemic Influenza Plan 2009 this past February. This plan provides all of the necessary information required for public health officials and partners in Chatham-Kent to respond to an influenza pandemic should the current swine flu situation escalate.

The plan includes strategies such as preparation for a pandemic, surveillance during the outbreak, public
education, and case and contact management.

The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit is confident that plans are in place to address any issues arising locally.

The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains the current pandemic level at Phase 3. This means that there is human infection; however there is no evidence of easy human-to-human spread.

Residents are encouraged to continue their daily activities and follow these routine infection control practices:

• Use proper hand hygiene. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.

• Use proper cough etiquette. Cough into your sleeve or use a tissue which then must be discarded.

• If you have an illness, you can help reduce the spread by minimizing your contact with family members, limiting attendance at public functions, and not going to work until you feel better.

The symptoms of swine influenza are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza infection and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing, and sore throat. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhea.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness and have recently travelled to an infected area, please contact your health care provider and inform them of your travel history.

The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit will continue to update residents as new information becomes available.

For more information, contact the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit at 519-352-7270 or go to www.chatham-kent.ca.