More Ontario swine flu deaths reported

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND LONG-TERM CARE

************************* Seven deaths now associated with H1N1 flu virus in Ontario June 24, 2009 - Dr. Arlene King, Ontario's chief medical officer of health, has confirmed three additional deaths associated with the H1N1 flu virus since Monday, bringing the total number of deaths in Ontario to seven.

A 17-year-old male from the Ottawa region, a 52-year-old woman from Eastern Ontario and a 68-year-old man from the Durham region all tested positive for the H1N1 flu virus.

All three individuals had underlying health conditions.

It is not clear what role the H1N1 flu virus played in the fatalities.

The province is moving away from daily reporting of confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu virus to a new reporting approach similar to that used during the regular flu season.

Health officials will continue to monitor H1N1 flu activity, but will focus resources on enhanced surveillance and follow-up of severe cases and outbreaks.

A report on H1N1 and seasonal flu activity will be produced every Friday.

As of Monday, the total number of cases in the province is 2,665.

Almost all of the cases reported to date have symptoms similar to those of seasonal influenza.

The vast majority of these cases have recovered.

Twenty-eight people who have the H1N1 flu virus were in hospital as of June 23, a number of whom have underlying medical conditions.

Quick facts Symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus are similar to seasonal influenza (flu) including 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 who have symptoms of respiratory illness should contact their health care provider or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

For general information on the H1N1 flu virus, 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 H1N1 flu virus, click here. To learn more about hand washing, go here. Read about public health initiatives in the province.

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