Further spread of the H1N1 virus is believed to be inevitable, prompting the World Health Organization to raise the pandemic alert level to phase 6 – its highest level.
Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO, says spread of virus in many countries can no longer be traced to clearly-defined chains of human-to-human transmission.
“The world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic,” she says.
The higher level of alert is not an indication of the seriousness of the virus to individuals, but rather the ease with which it has spread. Manufacturers are continuing to work on a vaccine, and health officials says Canadians should be able to get a HIN1 shot as early as October-November.
There are nearly 30,000 confirmed cases in 74 countries. The total number of cases in Ontario is 1,562 (as of June 10). Five of those cases are from the Middlesex-London area and all were considered mild.
Shelagh Bantock, Clinical Director of Western’s Health Services, says the increased alert level does not change the recommendations in place for the university community.
Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to remain vigilant in protecting themselves against the virus.
“It really doesn’t change a lot of what we are doing other than making sure our preparedness plans are in place and we are ready for a bigger outbreak if and when it comes,” she says.
University officials continue to encourage the Western community to cover the nose and mouth area when you cough or sneeze and to 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.
Unlike past pandemics, the H1N1 virus has been under the watchful eyes of influenza experts, virologists, and public health officials. “The world can now reap the benefits of investments, over the last five years, in pandemic preparedness,” says Chan.
“We have a head start. This places us in a strong position.”
She cautions the unpredictable nature of the virus may cause the picture to change quickly and countries should prepare for an increased number of cases – or possibly a second wave of infection – in the near future.
Although the alert level has increased, WHO is not recommending any travel restrictions.
Western’s pandemic planning committee will continue to update advisories based on any changes with the virus. The updates will be posted on the H1N1 influenza microsite at https://communications.uwo.ca/influenza-microsite/.
Western has prepared a guide to help inform and prepare individuals and families for pandemic influenza. The guide includes information on the importance of being prepared, challenges during a pandemic, a checklist for planning, and tips for prevention and treatment. It can be downloaded here.
Influenza update from London Middlesex Health Unit – June 11, 2009
NUMBER OF CASES:
The number of laboratory-confirmed cases and affected countries continue to increase. The following provides some of the case counts:
WORLDWIDE (as of June 10, 2009): 74 countries affected; 27,737 laboratory- confirmed cases; 141 deaths
UNITED STATES (as of June 5, 2009): 13,217 laboratory confirmed-cases; 27 deaths
CANADA (as of June 10, 2009): 2,978 laboratory confirmed-cases; 138 hospitalizations; 4 deaths
ONTARIO (as of June 10, 2009): 1,562 laboratory confirmed-cases; 38 hospitalizations; 2 deaths. Most reported cases are from Toronto, Peel, York, Halton, Ottawa and Durham.
It should be noted that the above case counts represent only a proportion of the true number of infected individuals, as most people with influenza are not tested for the infection.
POSSIBILITY OF PHASE 6 PANDEMIC BEING DECLARED:
The media is reporting that the World Health Organization is considering raising the pandemic alert level to Phase 6, which is its highest level and indicates a world-wide pandemic. This would be based on the widespread nature of the pandemic, and not necessarily on its severity.
SITUATION IN MIDDLESEX-LONDON:
There have been 5 laboratory-confirmed cases of the new H1N1 influenza virus and one influenza A case that is waiting further testing to determine if it is the H1N1 virus. No hospitalizations from H1N1 have been reported to-date in our area. Most cases likely acquired their infections in Middlesex-London from unknown sources, indicating some level of circulation in our community. Other indicators of influenza in our community are not showing widespread influenza activity (eg. no excessive school absenteeism; no increased demand on emergency departments; and no long-term care facility outbreaks).
SITUATION IN MANITOBA:
The media is reporting that 27 people from the St. Theresa Point Reserve in Manitoba have been flown to Winnipeg for hospitalization with confirmed or suspect H1N1. There have been reported cases from other First Nation’s reserves as well.
It is recognized that the spectrum of influenza illness can be different in different communities, possibly influenced by factors such as living conditions, underlying health status and access to health care. Factors such as overcrowding and lack of running water likely contribute to spread of the infection.
LABORATORY TESTING AND SURVEILLANCE:
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is trying to decrease the number of laboratory tests being performed. They have asked that nasopharyngeal swabs only be taken where lab results are required for clinical management of hospitalized cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) or where patients are at high risk for complications from influenza (e.g., immunocompromised, pregnant, persons under the age of 2 years and over 65 years of age).
Please clearly indicate the reason for the test on the laboratory requisition or the lab may not perform the test.
As we will be receiving limited laboratory information to assist with surveillance, we would appreciate if you could contact the Health Unit if you notice an increase in patients presenting to your office with influenza-like illness. (519-663-5317 ext. 2330; after hours 519-675-7523).