Staff
The Northwestern Health unit has confirmed the first case of H1N1 influenza within the region.
Dr. Jim Arthurs, medical officer of health for the health unit, made the announcement yesterday in the H1N1 influenza update for June 1.
“The individual has recovered from mild symptoms of the acute illness and is currently reported as well,” the update stated.
“Not unlike many of the cases around the province, there are underlying chronic conditions,” it added.
The exact location of the case was not revealed.
The update said the symptoms are similar to those of the seasonal influenza.
“The virus continues to spread less rapidly than first expected and with much less severity, as most cases around the province continue to be mild,” it also noted.
Surveillance and follow-up efforts are planned.
To date, there have been 715 confirmed cases of H1N1 in Ontario.
Three people with H1N1 have died, including two in Ontario, but whether or not the virus played a role in their deaths remains unknown.
With this first case in the region, Dr. Arthurs reiterated the information and advice given by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and Public Health Agency of Canada.
H1N1 symptoms—similar to those of seasonal ’flus—include headaches, chills, and cough followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and throat irritation.
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea also are possible for both adults and children.
For severe cases and people with chronic conditions, it is possible to develop complications such as pneumonia.
Prevention measures involve taking the same precautions outlined for preventing illnesses like the seasonal ’flu, including frequent hand-washing, sneezing and coughing into sleeves, avoiding touching eyes/nose/and mouth, and staying out of contact with other people if already sick.
Avoiding visiting family and friends in local hospitals and long-term care facilities also is stressed.
