NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2009HSERV0048-000937 April 26, 2009	Ministry of Health Services Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport BC Centre for Disease Control
HUMAN SWINE FLU CASES CONFIRMED IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

VICTORIA – Two people in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia have been confirmed for the swine influenza virus that has caused illness in Mexico and the United States. The specimens are being sent to the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg for further testing.

 

“In anticipation of this happening, we set up enhanced surveillance last week in British Columbia and we have found two influenza cases related to swine flu,” said Dr. Eric Young, deputy provincial health officer. “These cases have presented with a clinical picture consistent with seasonal influenza. We do anticipate more cases over the next weeks. We will continue to work closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada to monitor the situation, which is in turn working with health officials from the United States and Mexico.”

 

            The two B.C. patients have recovered without exhibiting the serious symptoms and deterioration observed in young adults in Mexico.

“The two cases did not fit the profile of serious respiratory illness, and were more like regular influenza-like illness,” said Dr. Danuta Skowronski, physician epidemiologist and influenza and respiratory illness lead at the BC Centre for Disease Control, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority. “The cases were detected by B.C.’s robust and responsive public health surveillance system. Our surveillance will remain on high alert to detect other possible cases in the days and weeks ahead.”

 

Canada is working closely with the United and Mexico, where human swine flu cases were first confirmed, and in tandem with World Health Organization under the International Health Regulations, to respond to the situation swiftly. WHO is assessing the global scenario.

 

As with seasonal influenza, precautions and measures that people can take to avoid getting infected remain basic infection control methods, including handwashing, keeping surfaces clean and staying away from others if one falls ill. People with a travel history to Mexico and the United States who experience severe respiratory illness or influenza like illness should consult their public health provider and recount their travel history.

 

The public can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, 24 hours a day/seven days a week if they have questions/concerns, or if feeling ill.

 

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Media contact:	Ministry of Health Services Public Affairs Bureau 250 952-1887 (media line)	Roy Wadia Communications Director BC Centre for Disease Control 604 660-2976 604 813-7682 (cell)
	Ritinder Harry BCCDC Communications 604 660-4922 604 812-6750 (cell)
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