Swine Flu

The Northwestern Health Unit is ready for a possible outbreak of Swine Flu.
The Health Unit recently reviewed its pandemic plan and re-trained its employees.
Officials are in daily contact with Ministry of Health officials and local hospitals.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jim Arthurs expects cases of Swine flu to be reported in Northwestern Ontario.
He says people from around the world can come in contact with someone else within 24 hours time.
Due to the heightened concern of swine flu, the Northwestern Health Unit has released a list of proper hygiene tips.
Dr. Jim Arthurs says a list of symptoms is also available on the health unit’s website; www.nwhu.on.ca.
Hospitals across the Region are all screening for the swine flu.
Officials remind the public to not visit health care facilities if you have influenza-like illness or a cold.
Clients and visitors will be asked to wash their hands when entering or leaving hospitals.
Meantime, Swine flu has made its way into Ontario after four cases were confirmed in Nova Scotia, three in B-C and two in Alberta.
The four Ontario cases are in the Toronto region, 3-women and a man in their 20’s who officials say were recently in Mexico.
Doctors say all four cases are considered mild.
Meanwhile, travel companies Transat, Sunwing Vacations and Sunquest have canceled flights and tours to Mexico until late
May-early June.
Also for the next month, Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations will suspend all operations to the resort cities of Cancun, Cozumel and
Puerto Vallarta, but the airline will maintain its flights to Mexico City.
Air Canada and Westjet are both waiving fees for anyone seeking to change their Mexican flight plans between now and April
30th.
Mexico is reporting 2,500 confirmed or suspected cases of swine flu, with 159 deaths linked to it.