Many more new swine flu cases reported

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND LONG-TERM CARE

************************* 143 new confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus in Ontario

TORONTO, May 27 - Dr. David Williams, Ontario's acting chief medical officer of health, says there are 143 new confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus since Monday, bringing the total number of cases in Ontario to 495.

Almost all of the cases reported to date are considered mild.

One person with a chronic pre-existing medical condition died on May 23.

It's not yet clear what role the H1N1 virus played in the fatality which is under investigation by the Office of the Chief Coroner.

Six people who have the H1N1 flu virus were in hospital as of May 26, 2009, a number of whom have underlying medical conditions.

The Ontario cases involve 246 males and 248 females (the gender of one case is unknown) with an age range of (less than) 1 to 80.

New confirmed cases:

Toronto - 81

Peel Region - 25

Halton - 15

York Region - 13

Durham Region - 5

City of Ottawa - 3

Simcoe Muskoka District - 1

"The large increase in cases is due to enhanced surveillance, increased laboratory testing capacity and the processing of a backlog of tests conducted on the weekend by public health units," said Dr. David Williams, Ontario's acting chief medical officer of health.

Quick facts

Symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) are similar to seasonal influenza (flu) including headache, 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.

People returning from Mexico who have symptoms of respiratory illness should contact their health care provider or call Telehealth Ontario at1-866-797-0000.

For general information on the H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu), call the ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-800-476-9708 or visit the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website.

Learn more

For more information about human swine flu, click here. To learn more about hand washing, go here. Read about public health initiatives in the province.

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