Swine Flu found in Northern Alberta

Two cases of human swine influenza have been confirmed in Alberta, one in Calgary, and the other in northern Alberta.

Both individuals are male and have experienced a mild form of human swine flu. Neither were hospitalized during their illness. The male from northern Alberta has fully recovered from flu symptoms and the other male from Calgary has nearly recovered from symptoms. Both individuals contracted the influenza virus during recent travel to Mexico.

“These cases show that our monitoring and surveillance system is working as it should,” said Dr. André Corriveau, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “It was only a matter of time until cases of human swine influenza would show up in Alberta. These cases are both mild, similar to recent cases identified in Nova Scotia and British Columbia, and across the United States.”

Alberta issued a public health alert two days ago in light of human swine influenza cases reported in Mexico, the United States and Canada. The province is working closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada to monitor for influenza activity related to the new strain.

“All medical officers of health will continue to monitor for new cases of human swine flu,” said Courriveau. “We recommend anyone with a fever or cough who has returned from a recent trip to Mexico to recover from their illness at home, and call Health Link Alberta before seeking medical attention.”

People are reminded that hand washing is the single most important way to avoid getting the flu. Those with flu-like symptoms can help prevent the spread of illness by washing their hands frequently and practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette. People with the flu-like symptoms should stay at home and avoid public places until they have recovered.