First Human Dies Of Swine Flu In Canada, 242 Total Confirmed Human Infections

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Main Category: Swine Flu
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS;  Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses;  Public Health
Article Date: 09 May 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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Leona Aglukkaq, Federal Minister of Health, expressed sympathy after the Government of Alberta announced Canada´s first human death linked to the H1N1 swine flu virus. Aglukkaq said "First and foremost, on behalf of the Government of Canada, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the woman who passed away recently."

Health Canada said that it is still not completely clear what role the swine flu virus played in the death. However, the Canadian government had warned since this outbreak´s onset that serious illness and/or death could be expected.

Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, said "It is important to realize that different strains of influenza result in about 4,000 Canadian deaths a year. We must take all influenza - not just the current strain - seriously, and take measures to protect ourselves"

28 new human cases of swine flu infection have been reported today throughout the country.

Below is a list of new cases and total cases of human infection of swine flu in Canada:

• Ontario - new cases 5 - total cases 61
• British Columbia - new cases 6 - total cases 60
• Nova Scotia - new cases 3 - total cases 56
• Alberta - new cases 9 - total cases 42
• Quebec - new cases 4 - total cases 15
• Prince Edward Island - new cases 1 - total cases 3
• Saskatchewan - new cases 0 - total cases 2
• New Brunswick - new cases 0 - total cases 2
• Manitoba - new cases 0 - total cases 1
• Newfoundland - new cases 0 - total cases 0
• Yukon - new cases 0 - total cases 0
• Northwest Territories - new cases 0 - total cases 0
• Nunavut - new cases 0 - total cases 0

The total number of cases up to the end of May 8th, 2009 in Canada stands at 242.

Health Canada reminds is citizens to take basic precautions to protect themselves from becoming infected with the influenza virus, by:

• Washing your hands regularly, or using a hand sanitizer
• Coughing and sneezing into your arm, and not your hand (which can touch and contaminate surfaces)
• Keeping commonly touched surfaces and items clean and disinfected
• Staying at home if you are unwell, unless you are directed to seek medical care

Source - Health Canada

• See our Map Of H1N1 Outbreaks
• See our Mexico Swine Flu Blog

Written by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today