Bulletin #24 H1N1 Flu

Posted by Kate

From a June 17, 2009 Province of MB news release

. Manitoba Health and Healthy Living is reporting 34 new confirmed cases of H1N1 flu, bringing the Manitoba total to 260 reported laboratory-confirmed cases.

. The call to action for health-care workers in northern Manitoba is continuing. In addition to the normal complement of health-care professionals working in the north, there are two doctors and two more nurse practitioners scheduled to work in northern communities this week. Additional staff responding to the call to action include about 20 nurses and 10 medical residents. Logistical issues surrounding the supervision of medical residents and licences continue to be addressed. Interested physician and nurses can indicate their interest in working in northern communities that need additional resources by visiting the flu website at www.manitoba.ca where there is a Physicians and Nurses Needed button.

. All Manitobans are at risk for exposure to the H1N1 virus. The influenza outbreak is provincewide and it is likely that H1N1 is present in every community in Manitoba. Although there has been an increase in the number of people with severe respiratory illness, this has been a small proportion of the people who have had the flu in Manitoba in the last two months. The majority of people in Manitoba who have become ill have not required hospitalization.

. Contact your health-care provider or visit your nearest health-care centre if you are concerned that you may need advice or care, especially if your symptoms are severe or worsening (i.e. shortness of breath, dehydration, worsening fever, cough or weakness). It's important to seek prompt care if you are concerned you need it as early intervention is important in treating severe influenza-like illness.

. More information about the prevention and care of H1N1 flu is available on the flu website at www.manitoba.ca.

SUMMARY OF ALL CONFIRMED H1N1 CASES IN MANITOBA AS OF JUNE 17
RHA (Patient's residence) Total
Assiniboine 3
Brandon 10
Burntwood/Churchill 80
Central 1
Interlake 6
NOR-MAN 21
North Eastman 6
Parkland 4
Winnipeg 122
Total 260

. Manitoba has reported two deaths associated with H1N1 influenza.