The Middlesex-London Health Unit is reporting a more widespread circulation of the H1N1 influenza virus in the community, with seven laboratory-confirmed cases since May 6.
Additionally, there are nine laboratory-confirmed influenza A (of which H1N1 is a variant) cases, likely to be the new H1N1 strain.
Most of the cases acquired their infection in the community from unknown sources and one case was hospitalized for a short period of time. The local health unit believes the numbers to be higher than the number of reported cases because most people with influenza-like symptoms do not seek health care and are not tested for the virus.
No cases have been reported with a connection to The University of Western Ontario.
Currently, the virus has been reported in almost 100 countries. As of June 22, there are a total of 5,710 laboratory-confirmed cases in Canada, with 2,528 in Ontario. Of those provincial cases, 67 have resulted in hospitalization and three deaths have been reported.
It is very difficult to predict what will happen with the new H1N1 influenza virus over the summer and into the fall, or what measures will be required to respond to the evolving situation, says the local health unit.
Although the number of influenza cases tend to decrease during the warmer months, Shelagh Bantock, Clinical Director of Western’s Health Services, says the H1N1 influenza virus has been unpredictable.
“We don’t normally see this in June, so this is out of the ordinary,” she says.
Recently, a few schools in London and Middlesex have recorded higher than usual rates of absenteeism lasting one or two days and cases of the new H1N1 influenza virus have been identified in some local schools.
“It may hit us again, but we just don’t know how hard. We don’t know how sick we are going to be,” says Bantock, adding an outbreak may be avoided if a vaccine becomes readily available.
At this time, there is no evidence of an increased demand for health care services.
Western continues to raise awareness about the risks and encourages faculty, staff and students to remain diligent at work and at home to prevent the spread of the virus. With many people beginning their summer vacations, Bantock reminds travellers to protect themselves on the road as well.
Cover the nose and mouth area when you cough or sneeze and wash hands often and use hand sanitizer. Those who are sick are encouraged to stay at home. Keep some distance between yourself and those who are ill.
Updates will be provided on the university’s microsite https://communications.uwo.ca/influenza-microsite/index.htm. The Continuing Operations Pandemic Planning group meets regularly to prepare for a possible outbreak on campus.
Additional information can be obtained by calling the Middlesex-London Health Unit at 519-663-5317 ext. 2330. Updated information is available on their web site at www.healthunit.com.