Over 260 new swine flu cases reported

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND LONG-TERM CARE

************************* 268 New confirmed cases Of H1N1 flu virus in Ontario

TORONTO, June 3 - Dr. David Williams, Ontario's acting chief medical officer of health, says there are 268 new confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus since Friday, bringing the total number of cases in Ontario to 894.

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

The vast majority of these cases have recovered and public health officials estimate that about 150 people are currently sick.

Two people, who had the H1N1 virus and chronic medical conditions, have died.

Six people who have the H1N1 flu virus were in hospital as of June 2, a number of whom have underlying medical conditions.

The Ontario cases involve 454 males and 436 females (the gender of four cases is unknown) with an age range of (less than)1 to 80.

Confirmed new cases

Toronto - 123

Peel Region - 54

York Region - 44

City of Ottawa - 18

Halton - 10

Durham Region - 9

Middlesex-London - 3

Hamilton - 2

Wellington Dufferein Guelph - 2

Simcoe Muskoka District - 1

Grey Bruce - 1

Northwestern - 1 "It's encouraging to see that most of the H1N1 flu cases have fully recovered. 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," said Dr. David Williams, Ontario's ccting 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.

*************************