News Release                                                

                                                                                                                          For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                          June 11, 2009

Second Case of H1N1 Flu Virus Identified in Grey Bruce

The Grey Bruce Health Unit has received laboratory confirmation of a second positive case of H1N1 flu virus in Grey Bruce.

The individual was not admitted to hospital and is at home recovering. The illness was not connected to travel to Mexico.

"We know the H1N1 strain is out and about in our area but we do not have evidence of a sustained spread of severe disease." said Dr. Hazel Lynn, Medical Officer of Health. "While the World Health Organization is elevating their pandemic alert, the Grey Bruce Health Unit will remain on the current level two. Our surveillance will continue and we ask the public to take the usual precautions of washing hands and proper cough etiquette to prevent the spread of this disease."

The Grey Bruce case is one of 1562 cases reported in Ontario. Almost all of the cases to date are considered mild. Province-wide, ten people who have the H1N1 flu virus were in hospital as of June 9, a number of whom have underlying medical conditions. 

Symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus are similar to a  mild seasonal influenza (flu) including, 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 may occur in adults as well as in children. In more severe cases, or in people with chronic conditions, complications such as pneumonia may develop.

The public are advised to take the usual measures to reduce the risk of spreading respiratory illness.

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and hot water or use an alcohol-hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, use a tissue or sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm.
• Make sure your vaccinations, especially your flu shot, are up-to-date.
• Stay home if you are ill.

For more information, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Dr. Hazel Lynn

Medical Officer of Health

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1269