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DEH CHO - A voluntary seven-day isolation ended on May 6 for five people in Fort Simpson who recently vacationed in Mexico.

William Michaud and his wife Amy and another couple with a child spent their holiday on the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico at the end of April. Michaud said it was only after he and his wife returned to Fort Simpson that they heard about the outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus, also known as human swine influenza.

Amy and the other family went to the health centre to be examined. Even though she didn't have a fever, because Amy has asthma she displayed some of the virus' symptoms. Staff at the health centre suggested she isolate herself for seven days, Michaud said.

"It was more of a precautionary isolation than anything," said Michaud.

Michaud said he was told it would be best if he isolated himself, too. None of the members of the group were officially tested for the virus.

"I wasn't worried at all," he said. "I thought it was funny."

Michaud said he enjoyed having the seven days to spend at home doing projects.

As of May 4, there haven't been any confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu virus in the territory, said Dr. Kami Kandola, acting chief medical health officer for the NWT.

Based on symptoms and travel history, a number of cases have been investigated in the territory but no one has tested positive, Kandola said during a media briefing in Yellowknife.

The Department of Health and Social Services has launched an influenza hotline staffed by nurses. People should call the hotline before visiting a health centre or hospital if they have concerns about the virus, said Kandola.

Staff on the hotline and in health centres are screening anyone who has a cough or flu symptoms and has also travelled to Mexico, the U.S. or parts of Canada where the virus is present. People who fit the criteria are being tested and those with mild symptoms are asked to voluntarily isolate themselves at home for up to seven days. After seven days people are no longer infectious, Kandola said.

As of May 4, the hotline had received 80 calls, mostly from Yellowknife. None of the calls came from the Deh Cho. Based on the calls, 30 people were tested, Kandola said.

Kandola didn't have an exact number for the number of people currently in voluntary isolation in the territory.

"It's important to realize that this novel virus has been relatively mild," Kandola said.

The best strategy against all types of influenza, including H1N1, is prevention, she said. Basic methods include covering the nose and mouth while sneezing, throwing used tissues in the garbage, frequent hand washing with soap and warm water and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

Across Canada there have been 140 confirmed cases of H1N1 and Alberta has had an increase in the number of cases, Kandola said. The territory has stockpiled enough of two anti-viral medications to treat 16 per cent of the territories' population for H1N1.

In addition to the influenza hotline information about the virus is being updated daily on the Department of Health and Social Service's website.