.

Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - No cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the Northwest Territories, although some cases showing flu-like symptoms are under investigation, says the territory's acting chief medical officer.

Dr. Kami Kandola, acting NWT chief medical health officer, left, and deputy health minister Dana Heide held a press conference Monday to explain what the territorial government is doing about the recent outbreak of swine influenza from Mexico. - Tim Edwards/NNSL photo Symptoms Human swine influenza symptoms are the same as the regular flu, including: fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing or sore throat, and/or vomiting and diarrhea. What to do: If anyone has recently returned from Mexico and is exhibiting symptoms, the health authority advises them to call: In Yellowknife: 920-3026 Outside Yellowknife: 1-888-920-3026

A press conference was held at noon Monday by Dr. Kami Kandola in response to growing concerns about the swine influenza that has claimed at least seven lives in Mexico and has caused illnesses in six Canadian travellers to the country as of Monday.

"It is believed that this illness is spread in the same way as seasonal influenza," said Kandola, adding that no reported cases in Canada have involved contact with pigs but have been spread from human to human.

Kandola also said there is no risk to eating pork product.

Though the World Health Organization has confirmed seven deaths in Mexico as of Monday evening due to the disease, and 26 confirmed cases overall in the country, some news reports placed the death toll in Mexico as high as 152 as of Tuesday.

The six confirmed cases in Canada so far have been very mild with a quick recovery.

Though the virus is new to humans, there is anti-viral medication available. Swine flu can be treated with the antiviral drugs Tamiflu, and Relenza.

"We have a stockpile of antivirals in case of a pandemic. The federal government also has a national stockpile," said Kandola.

The national stockpile contains 55 million doses, primarily of Tamiflu. The federal government also has a contract with pharmaceutical company Glaxo-Smith-Kline for domestic vaccine production in the event of a pandemic.

The World Health Organization raised the alert to Phase 4 from Phase 3 on Monday.

An official declaration of a pandemic will occur if the alert reaches Phase 5.

Kandola said the Public Health Agency of Canada has officials located at airports and key port sites who will be monitoring any sick travellers coming from Mexico, adding she has asked local authorities to remain vigilant in screening and reporting any influenza-like illnesses, particularly in travellers from Mexico.

"What we are asking our NWT residents - If anyone has recently returned from Mexico and has influenza-like symptoms: low-grade fever, cough, runny nose, and fatigue, they should call 920-3026 or they can call their health care provider for advice and follow-up," said Kandola.

"To avoid the flu, we encourage residents to practise good hygiene and that includes washing their hands with soap and warm water frequently, covering their cough, using their sleeve if they cough or sneeze, cleaning surfaces that may contain influenza, and staying home if they are sick."