Ontario investigates first H1N1 associated fatality

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND LONG-TERM CARE

************************** Ontario investigates its first fatality associated with H1N1 flu virus

TORONTO - (May 25) - Dr. David Williams, Ontario's acting chief medical officer of health, has confirmed that a person with H1N1 flu virus has died.

A 44-year-old Toronto man with a chronic pre-existing medical condition passed away on May 23.

On May 24, laboratory testing confirmed a positive test for H1N1 in this individual.

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

Dr. Williams also reported that there are 58 new confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus since May 22, bringing the total number of cases in Ontario to 352.

Two people, who have the H1N1 flu virus, are in hospital with a number of underlying medical conditions.

The Ontario cases involve 172 males and 178 females (the gender of two cases is unknown) with an age range of under 1 to 69.

New confirmed cases in Ontario

Toronto - 32 York Region - 11 Peel Region - 7 Halton - 6 Durham Region - 1 Hamilton - 1

Quotes

"I want to express my sympathy to the family at this difficult time. Ontario's public health system continues to remain vigilant regarding any cases of H1N1." - David Caplan, minister of health and long-term care.

"Ontarians should continue to protect themselves and those around them by washing hands frequently, coughing or sneezing into your sleeve, and staying at home if you're sick." - 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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