June 19, 2009

Dr. Arlene King, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, says there are 264 new confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus since Wednesday, bringing the total number of cases in Ontario to 2,528.

Almost all of the cases reported to date have symptoms similar to those of seasonal influenza. The vast majority of these cases have recovered. To date, three people, who had the H1N1 virus and chronic medical conditions, have died. Twenty people who have the H1N1 flu virus were in hospital as of June 18, a number of whom have underlying medical conditions.

The Ontario cases involve 1,293 males and 1,225 females (the gender of 10 cases is unknown) with an age range of <1 to 80. The average age of the cases is 21.

The breakdown of the cases by health unit is as follows :

(*) – Visitors who were tested and confirmed in Ontario but do not reside in the province.

• About 85 per cent of samples sent for H1N1 flu virus testing turn out to be negative for any kind of flu.
• 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.

For more information about H1N1 flu virus.

To learn more about hand washing.

Read about public health initiatives in the province.

For further information :

For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free in Ontario only)

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