Flu alert level rises. It's now one notch below full pandemic

The World Health Organization has this afternoon raised its swine flu pandemic threat level to five.

That's just one step under Level 6, considered a full-fledged pandemic.

Today's announcement means that a pandemic is imminent and nations are expected to conclude their preparations to cope with the outbreak.

The following update was issued this afternoon by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care:

************************* Three new confirmed cases of swine flu in Ontario

All cases are mild and recovering at home

TORONTO - (April 29) - Dr. David Williams, Ontario's Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, says there are three new confirmed cases of swine flu, bringing to seven the total number of cases in Ontario. Laboratory testing has confirmed that the swine flu virus is the same as the one in Mexico and the United States. The three new cases are in Durham (1), York (1) and Peel (1). All of the new cases are considered mild and the individuals are recovering at home. Ontario now is:

- Providing additional guidance to the health care sector in support of early identification and treatment of cases. - Escalating communication activities to ensure the health care system and public are aware of the current situation and actions they should be taking. - Coordinating activities in its emergency operations centre. The centre is supported by a scientific response team, with experts drawn from the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion, to provide Dr. Williams and other ministry officials with technical and scientific advice. Ontario is working very closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada, and all provinces and territories.

Quotes

"We expected that there would be more confirmed cases of swine flu in Ontario as more lab tests come available and we continue our surveillance efforts. As during any flu season, the best way for Ontarians to protect themselves and those around them is to wash hands frequently, cough or sneeze into your sleeve, and stay at home if you're sick."

- Dr. David Williams, Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health

"I want to thank the dedicated health care professionals throughout our system for working around the clock to closely monitor this situation as it develops. We have top experts in the field of infectious diseases here in Ontario, and we're making full use of their expertise at this time." - David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

Quick facts - People who have symptoms of respiratory illness should contact their health care provider or call TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. People should only go to emergency rooms if they have severe symptoms.

- For general information on the swine flu, call the ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-800-476-9708.

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