H1N1 (Human Swine Influenza) Update, May 3

As of today, May 3, two new lab-confirmed cases of H1N1 (human swine influenza) have been reported. Both new cases are related to the King's-Edgehill school community. To date, a total of 33 cases have been confirmed.

Of the six confirmed cases announced Saturday, May 2 from outside the King's-Edgehill community, five are still under investigation. One is a teenage student at Baddeck Academy, a P-12 school, in Baddeck. This individual had recently visited King's-Edgehill. The student has been isolated at home and is recovering.

"We are not surprised to see confirmed cases in other parts of Nova Scotia and remain confident in the vigor of our provincial public health system," said Dr. Maureen Baikie, deputy chief medical officer of health. "Classes at Baddeck Academy will continue as normal. Consistent with the advice we have previously provided, it is important to remember that it is safe to go to school, work and socialize, as long as you do not have any symptoms.

"We are still at the tail-end of the regular influenza season and Nova Scotians should take the same preventative measures to protect themselves against seasonal influenza as against H1N1."

That means washing hands thoroughly and often, coughing or sneezing into sleeves, staying away from public areas if sick and frequently cleaning and disinfecting common surfaces and items such as doorknobs and counters.

Cases in Nova Scotia have been mild to date, and not severe as in the cases being experienced in Mexico. More cases are expected. As with regular influenza, once those numbers increase, it is normal to see more severe cases and even deaths.

For anyone who has questions about H1N1, a toll-free number has been set up. In its first day of operation the toll-free line received about 40 calls.

The toll-free line is 1-888-451-4222. Public health staff will answer the phone from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., seven days a week.

For people who have influenza-like symptoms, and have recently traveled to an area affected by H1N1 (human swine influenza), like Mexico, or have been in contact with someone who has H1N1, it is important to avoid close contact with others for seven days after symptoms start. This is the time when the illness can be spread to others. Stay home from work, school, public places and avoid social settings. Minimize contact with family members as much as possible. Like any illness, should symptoms worsen, visit a doctor or a walk-in clinic and be sure to mention travel history.

For more information visit www.gov.ns.ca .