Severe Flu Cases Surge in Manitoba - Aboriginal Community Hit Hard

[HenryN]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

I hope you're right.

Man, what has this world come to when we are hoping for a pandemic virus in a remote town? The past six weeks have been bizarre.

But acutally, if 41 people had been flown to Winnipeg hospitals for treatment, one of them could easily have come in contact with an undiagnosed H1N1 patient in the hospital, and then flew back to St. Theresa's point and accidentally started the outbreak. Those 41 evacuations greatly reduce the amount of H1N1 necessary in Winnipeg to cause this outbreak.

Many of the suspect cases were flown to Winnipeg last week (include the pregnent patients). A rapid test for influenza A only takes a few hours, and most know that at this time of year influenza A = swine H1N1.
I am sure they know, which probably contributed to the medevacs this week.
It's just a matter of when the press release will come out.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Source: http://www.cjob.com/News/Local/Story.aspx?ID=1099538
(Note:: Use link above to access sound bites)

Province treating First Nations flu outbreak with 'abundance of caution'
CJOB's John Copsey reporting
6/3/2009

The Province is treating a flu outbreak in a northern Manitoba First Nations community with 'an abundance of caution'.

A dozen residents of St. Theresa Point First Nation have already been medevaced to Winnipeg because of severe flu-like symptoms. One woman is reported to have miscarried as a result of the illness.

Dr. Elise Weiss is Manitoba's acting chief provincial public health officer... she tells CJOB respiratory virus outbreaks are not uncommon at this time of year, even on First Nations ...

Dr. Weiss says the province is working with Health Canada to investigate the exact strain of the virus. Several days of testing may be required yet, to determine if the H1N1 flu strain is at work...

Dr. Weiss adds that as many as twenty people are typically medevaced from any given First Nations community every month for a variety of reasons, including respiratory viral infections.

 

[alert]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Source: http://www.cjob.com/News/Local/Story.aspx?ID=1099538
(Note:: Use link above to access sound bites)

Province treating First Nations flu outbreak with 'abundance of caution'
CJOB's John Copsey reporting
6/3/2009



Dr. Weiss says the province is working with Health Canada to investigate the exact strain of the virus. Several days of testing may be required yet, to determine if the H1N1 flu strain is at work...

.

I'm a little disappointed in the warning that several days of testing may be required. It might mean that this isn't as high a priority on their agenda as it ought to be. Their laboratory (NML) detected H1N1 in the Mexican cases in two days.

Of course, cartski might be right. This might not be producing enough of an alarm in Winnipeg to merit NML treatment.

 

[HenryN]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

I'm a little disappointed in the warning that several days of testing may be required. It might mean that this isn't as high a priority on their agenda as it ought to be. Their laboratory (NML) detected H1N1 in the Mexican cases in two days.

Of course, cartski might be right. This might not be producing enough of an alarm in Winnipeg to merit NML treatment.

I think you are confusing what they SAY with what they KNOW. They knew last week that samples were influenza A positive and therefore swine H1N1. Consequently new patients were Medevaced out on Monday and additional medical personel were flown in. Thus, they KNOW that it is swine H1N1 and have acted accordingly.

They are not going to SAY that it is swine H1N1 until they have a positive PCR. A positive influenza A strongly suggests swine H1N1, as does a failed sub-typing test, and at least one report has already said infleunza A (which would eliminate RSV, which is not influenza).

What is said is all about press releases and information control.

The actions and comment on influenza A tell the real story.

At this point there is NO data indicating it isn't swine H1N1.

 

[alert]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

The five patients medevaced out Monday night after the pandemic prep meeting Monday certainly indicates that they fear H1N1, but not that theky know it. Assuming the report of a positive rapid test for influenza A is accurate (cartski might disagree with that assumption), you're probably right though. I agree that seasonal flu is fairly unlikely due to the time of year, H5N1 is impossible due to the location and the milder cases, and yet another new flu would just be too bizarre.

 

[alert]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Breaking news. I think cartski is right. This article is brand new and makes no mention of postive tests for influenza A. But they certainly do suspect swine flu. Personally, I'm moving this one back into the undiagnosed category, and starting to get a little freaked out again. Flu should be easy to detect.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2009/06/03/mb-paramedics-swine-flu.html

Winnipeg paramedics might have contracted swine flu from patients
Last Updated: Wednesday, June 3, 2009 | 12:22 PM CT Comments0Recommend0.
CBC News
Winnipeg paramedics who transported northern Manitoba patients suspected of having swine flu might have been contracted the H1N1 influenza A virus that causes the illness.

The Manitoba Government Employees Union (MGEU) said two emergency medical technicians who picked up the patients at the airport in Winnipeg weren't given any advance warning about the possibly infectious disease and, consequently, weren't wearing the necessary protective gear.

'Those paramedics went on to treat and care for several more people throughout the city of Winnipeg.'
—Chris Broughton, Manitoba Government Employees Union As a result, many more people may have been exposed, said MGEU Local 911 president Chris Broughton.

"It could lead to a great deal of paramedics becoming ill with this influenza that could lead to then a difficulty for the city to provide emergency medical services," he said. "There's just no staff available to staff the trucks and provide care. Those paramedics went on to treat and care for several more people throughout the city of Winnipeg."

Ken Simm, deputy chief of operations for Winnipeg's Fire Paramedic Service, told CBC News there was a breakdown in communication. Normally, paramedics are warned when patients have respiratory symptoms so they can wear protective gear.

"If there's a belief that they may have been exposed, and there is some substance to their concerns, they will go through a nasal swab process to determine if, in fact, they have been exposed to the influenza," said Simm.

Broughton said the paramedics are now on days off and are awaiting word on what they may have been exposed to.

Two adult women and 10 children from St. Theresa Point First Nation, a remote northern Manitoba community, have been flown by air ambulance to Winnipeg in the past week for hospital care because of an outbreak of a flu-like illness.

Two women in critical condition, 10 children in hospital
The adults and five children were sent to the city a few days ago, and on Monday, another five who fell ill with severe flu symptoms were also transported to Winnipeg, said David McDougall, chief of St. Theresa Point First Nation.

The adult women are in critical condition, and one of them, who was pregnant, lost her baby, said McDougall.

'The physicians will look for any viruses that are known to cause those particular symptoms. So certainly, in the current situation, H1N1 is added to the list of what they look for.'
— Elise Weiss, acting chief provincial public health officerProvincial health authorities have not yet confirmed whether any of the patients have the H1N1 virus that has been spreading throughout North America and abroad since first appearing in Mexico in April.

Acting chief provincial public health officer Doctor Elise Weiss told CBC News that it is quite common to see outbreaks of flu-like viruses in Manitoba and testing for H1N1 is being done on the patients from St. Theresa Point.

"The physicians will look for any viruses that are known to cause those particular symptoms. So certainly, in the current situation, H1N1 is added to the list of what they look for," she said.

Weiss said the province is also providing whatever support is needed to the First Nations Health Branch. Another doctor and additional nurses are being sent to the community of 3,200 people.

Until the virus is known and dealt with, school will remain closed in St. Theresa Point, said McDougall.

The community, only accessible by airplane or winter ice roads, is located about 500 kilometres from Winnipeg.

 

[alert]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

I don't know if I trust this source, but it would explain why there is discrepancy as to whether both women are pregnant. If this source is correct, this illness is too severe to be H1N1.

http://crazybitchesrus.blogspot.com/2009/06/follow-up-potential-h1n1-outbreak-at-st.html

This is a follow up to my post: http://crazybitchesrus.blogspot.com/2009/06/please-follow-this-story-please-write.html
To date since H1N1 broke out in Canada, 11 Manitobans have tested positive for swine flu. By comparason, one week 12 suspected cases of H1N1 broke out in St. Theresa First Nation, a remote community with a population of 3,200. Two patients were pregnant, one lost her baby, the other (according to CBC Newsworld) had a emergency C-section both she and her son are in critical condition. The remainder of the cases are children, 5 of 10 are in critial condition. From the Winnipeg Free Press today: Manitoba Grand Chief Ron Evans said St. Theresa Point is an example of what can happen when governments fail to address the poor social conditions that can help disease spread. Evans said the lack of health-care professionals and overcrowded homes make many communities prone to devastating effects of outbreaks, noting pandemic planning in many areas is still a work in progress.

"It gives you a good sense of how terrible and tragic will be when a community has to deal with an epidemic," Evans said. "No one expected H1N1 to surface at this time so the communities are caught off guard."

 

[HenryN]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

I don't know if I trust this source, but it would explain why there is discrepancy as to whether both women are pregnant. If this source is correct, this illness is too severe to be H1N1.

http://crazybitchesrus.blogspot.com/2009/06/follow-up-potential-h1n1-outbreak-at-st.html

This is a follow up to my post: http://crazybitchesrus.blogspot.com/2009/06/please-follow-this-story-please-write.html
To date since H1N1 broke out in Canada, 11 Manitobans have tested positive for swine flu. By comparason, one week 12 suspected cases of H1N1 broke out in St. Theresa First Nation, a remote community with a population of 3,200. Two patients were pregnant, one lost her baby, the other (according to CBC Newsworld) had a emergency C-section both she and her son are in critical condition. The remainder of the cases are children, 5 of 10 are in critial condition. From the Winnipeg Free Press today: Manitoba Grand Chief Ron Evans said St. Theresa Point is an example of what can happen when governments fail to address the poor social conditions that can help disease spread. Evans said the lack of health-care professionals and overcrowded homes make many communities prone to devastating effects of outbreaks, noting pandemic planning in many areas is still a work in progress.

"It gives you a good sense of how terrible and tragic will be when a community has to deal with an epidemic," Evans said. "No one expected H1N1 to surface at this time so the communities are caught off guard."

Please. Five patients died today in the US from H1N1. It is a killer (CDC head pats notwithstanding). They have essentially acknowledged swine H1N1. Why would they NOW be talking about influenza A? Influenza A was last week's story.

This week swine H1N1 has been acknowledged.

 

[alert]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Please. Five patients died today in the US from H1N1. It is a killer (CDC head pats notwithstanding). They have essentially acknowledged swine H1N1. Why would they NOW be talking about influenza A? Influenza A was last week's story.

This week swine H1N1 has been acknowledged.

You have 7 or 8 people in critical condition out of maybe 650 illnesses, and some of those 650 illnesses are likely unrelated to this outbreak. They fear H1N1, because that virus can kill, but the actual information in the articles suggests something deadlier. And let's not forget, some of those cases have been in Winnipeg for a week.

I don't know if anyone in this cluster has really tested positive for influenza. Cartski's post at 11:31am this morning seems to be accurate. The fear factor is really starting to go up on this one.

 

[HenryN]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

You have 7 or 8 people in critical condition out of maybe 650 illnesses, and some of those 650 illnesses are likely unrelated to this outbreak. They fear H1N1, because that virus can kill, but the actual information in the articles suggests something deadlier. And let's not forget, some of those cases have been in Winnipeg for a week.

I don't know if anyone in this cluster has really tested positive for influenza. Cartski's post at 11:31am this morning seems to be accurate. The fear factor is really starting to go up on this one.

Please. It's swine H1N1 in patients that were not very healthy prior to infection.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2009/06/03/mb-paramedics-swine-flu.html

Winnipeg paramedics might have contracted swine flu from patients
Last Updated: Wednesday, June 3, 2009 | 1:37 PM CT
CBC News

Winnipeg paramedics who transported northern Manitoba patients suspected of having swine flu might have contracted the H1N1 influenza A virus that causes the illness.

The Manitoba Government Employees Union (MGEU) said two emergency medical technicians who picked up the patients at the airport in Winnipeg weren't given any advance warning about the possibly infectious disease and, consequently, weren't wearing the necessary protective gear.

As a result, many more people may have been exposed, said MGEU Local 911 president Chris Broughton.

"It could lead to a great deal of paramedics becoming ill with this influenza that could lead to then a difficulty for the city to provide emergency medical services," he said. "There's just no staff available to staff the trucks and provide care. Those paramedics went on to treat and care for several more people throughout the city of Winnipeg."

Ken Simm, deputy chief of operations for Winnipeg's Fire Paramedic Service, told CBC News there was a breakdown in communication. Normally, paramedics are warned when patients have respiratory symptoms so they can wear protective gear.

"If there's a belief that they may have been exposed, and there is some substance to their concerns, they will go through a nasal swab process to determine if, in fact, they have been exposed to the influenza," said Simm.

Broughton said the paramedics are now on days off and are awaiting word on what they may have been exposed to.

Two adult women and 10 children from St. Theresa Point First Nation, a remote northern Manitoba community, have been flown by air ambulance to Winnipeg in the past week for hospital care because of an outbreak of a flu-like illness.

Two women in critical condition, 10 children in hospital

The adults and five children were sent to the city a few days ago, and on Monday, another five who fell ill with severe flu symptoms were also transported to Winnipeg, said David McDougall, chief of St. Theresa Point First Nation.

The adult women are in critical condition, and one of them, who was pregnant, lost her baby, said McDougall.

Provincial health authorities have not yet confirmed whether any of the patients have the H1N1 virus that has been spreading throughout North America and abroad since first appearing in Mexico in April.

Acting chief provincial public health officer Doctor Elise Weiss told CBC News that it is quite common to see outbreaks of flu-like viruses in Manitoba and testing for H1N1 is being done on the patients from St. Theresa Point.

"The physicians will look for any viruses that are known to cause those particular symptoms. So certainly, in the current situation, H1N1 is added to the list of what they look for," she said.

Weiss said the province is also providing whatever support is needed to the First Nations Health Branch. Another doctor and additional nurses are being sent to the community of 3,200 people.

Until the virus is known and dealt with, school will remain closed in St. Theresa Point, said McDougall.

The community, only accessible by airplane or winter ice roads, is located about 500 kilometres from Winnipeg.

 

[alert]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Paramedic--tested-for-H1N1-influenza-46837887.html

Latest NewsParamedic tested for H1N1 influenza
Staff Writer

3/06/2009 2:46 PM | Comments: 0
Print E?mail Share ThisWINNIPEG--One paramedic was tested for H1N1 influenza after transporting ill patients from St. Theresa Point First Nation to a Winnipeg hospital.

The suspected cases of H1N1 arrived from St. Theresa Point on a flight last Friday.

Tim Scharer, vice-president of the Professional Paramedic Association of Winnipeg, said the two paramedics who responded to the flight to transport the patients to hospital weren?t forewarned about potential exposure to the respiratory illness.

Paramedics have been told to wear full gowns, gloves, and masks when responding to suspect H1N1 cases, also known as swine flu.

Scharer said neither paramedic has exhibited symptoms of the flu, and the test results are not available yet.

"They?re a little frustrated because our department has taken all the precautions," he said

 

[hornblower]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

(which would eliminate RSV, which is not influenza).

I'd like to add that official respiratory virus tracking for the Can. prairies shows extremely little RSV or adenovirus.

There is a blip of parainfluenza but parainfluenza IIRC does not generally present severe symptoms in the adult population.

Of course influenza activity continues.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/bid-bmi/dsd-dsm/rvdi-divr/2008-2009/rvdi2009-20.pdf

 

[alert]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

http://crazybitchesrus.blogspot.com/2009/06/more-on-h1n1-at-st-theresa-point-first.html

Manitoba Health authorities are expected to make an announcement at 3pm CT to speak to some preliminary lab results that and confirm if the H1N1 virus is present in any of the cases in St. Theresa Point thus far. I suspect they will confirm at least one case, since they would not yet have enough lab results back to know H1N1 is not present. It's worth mentioning that there was a Manitoba General Chief's Assembly held at St. Theresa Point May 26th and May 27th. I have not heard any reporting on whether or not people from that conference have become ill or if the virus has spread to other First Nations communities.

 

[cartski]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Manitoba News Release
............................................................
June 3, 2009

BULLETIN #16
H1N1 FLU

. Manitoba Health and Healthy Living is reporting 27 new confirmed H1N1 cases in people between the ages of one month and 56 years, bringing the provincial total to 38 cases in six regions across Manitoba. Of the new cases, three patients have been hospitalized.

. Thirteen of the new confirmed cases were in males and 14 in females. The three new confirmed cases in the Burntwood region are from two First Nation communities.

RHA
(Patient's residence) Not hospitalized Hospitalized Unknown Total
Assiniboine - - - -
Brandon 4 1 5
Burntwood 1 2 3
Central - - - -
Churchill - - - -
Interlake - - - -
Nor-Man 3 3
North Eastman - - -
Parkland 1 1
South Eastman 1 1
Winnipeg 12 4 9 25
Total 22 6 10 38


Age group
(in years) Cases reported
0 to nine 11
10 to 19 6
20 to 29 7
30 to 39 4
40 to 49 7
50 to 59 3
Total 38

. The H1N1 flu virus is present in Manitoba and more cases of H1N1 flu are expected to be detected. As with any influenza type, most cases are expected to be mild and result in a full recovery, although some cases may be severe.

. Other viruses that cause respiratory illness continue to circulate in the province and the routine precautionary measures like hand-washing remain the same. The health-care system in Winnipeg and in other areas of the province has contingency plans to adapt to an increased number of people showing symptoms of respiratory illnesses.

. Severe illness from flu-like symptoms may be more likely to develop in people who are very young or elderly, or people with chronic diseases. Promoting healthy living and following routine precautionary measures can help reduce the spread of disease.

- Maintain the strength of your immune system by taking care of yourself and those in your care including eating a healthy, balanced diet, being active and getting enough sleep. If you or someone in your care has a chronic condition, get the help needed for effective care from your health-care provider.
- Cover a cough or sneeze by coughing or sneezing into your elbow or sleeve or using a tissue to cover your nose and mouth.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

. If you have symptoms of flu-like illness, such as fever, cough, aches and tiredness, you are most contagious for three to four days, but it is possible to spread the disease for up to a week once your symptoms start to appear. You should:
- Stay home from school or work while you are ill and limit contact with others to reduce the chance of spreading the virus.
- Limit touching of eyes, nose or mouth. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve or use a tissue, and wash your hands frequently.
- Contact your health-care provider or Health Links-Info Sant? at 788 8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) if you need advice or care.

. For more information about H1N1 flu, see www.manitoba.ca.

 

[alert]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Manitoba News Release
............................................................
June 3, 2009

BULLETIN #16
H1N1 FLU

. Manitoba Health and Healthy Living is reporting 27 new confirmed H1N1 cases in people between the ages of one month and 56 years, bringing the provincial total to 38 cases in six regions across Manitoba. Of the new cases, three patients have been hospitalized.

. Thirteen of the new confirmed cases were in males and 14 in females. The three new confirmed cases in the Burntwood region are from two First Nation communities.

RHA
(Patient's residence) Not hospitalized Hospitalized Unknown Total
Assiniboine - - - -
Brandon 4 1 5
Burntwood 1 2 3
Central - - - -
Churchill - - - -
Interlake - - - -
Nor-Man 3 3
North Eastman - - -
Parkland 1 1
South Eastman 1 1
Winnipeg 12 4 9 25
Total 22 6 10 38


Age group
(in years) Cases reported
0 to nine 11
10 to 19 6
20 to 29 7
30 to 39 4
40 to 49 7
50 to 59 3
Total 38

. The H1N1 flu virus is present in Manitoba and more cases of H1N1 flu are expected to be detected. As with any influenza type, most cases are expected to be mild and result in a full recovery, although some cases may be severe.

. Other viruses that cause respiratory illness continue to circulate in the province and the routine precautionary measures like hand-washing remain the same. The health-care system in Winnipeg and in other areas of the province has contingency plans to adapt to an increased number of people showing symptoms of respiratory illnesses.

. Severe illness from flu-like symptoms may be more likely to develop in people who are very young or elderly, or people with chronic diseases. Promoting healthy living and following routine precautionary measures can help reduce the spread of disease.

- Maintain the strength of your immune system by taking care of yourself and those in your care including eating a healthy, balanced diet, being active and getting enough sleep. If you or someone in your care has a chronic condition, get the help needed for effective care from your health-care provider.
- Cover a cough or sneeze by coughing or sneezing into your elbow or sleeve or using a tissue to cover your nose and mouth.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

. If you have symptoms of flu-like illness, such as fever, cough, aches and tiredness, you are most contagious for three to four days, but it is possible to spread the disease for up to a week once your symptoms start to appear. You should:
- Stay home from school or work while you are ill and limit contact with others to reduce the chance of spreading the virus.
- Limit touching of eyes, nose or mouth. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve or use a tissue, and wash your hands frequently.
- Contact your health-care provider or Health Links-Info Santé at 788 8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) if you need advice or care.

. For more information about H1N1 flu, see www.manitoba.ca.

Are any of these confirmed cases from St. Theresa Point? This update mentions TWO First Nations Communities.

 

[hornblower]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Are any of these confirmed cases from St. Theresa Point? This update mentions TWO First Nations Communities.

Burntwood Health region encompasses St Theresa Point.
http://www.thompson.ca/dbs/brha/dyncat.cfm?catid=2545

I think we have our confirmation here.

 

[alert]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Time to change the title of this thread. I'm going for "Novel H1N1 Confirmed in Remote First Nation Communities". Thank you for that post cartski. No media source has picked this up yet. As always, FT is the fastest!!!

 

[Diane Morin]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Manitoba health officials won't comment on mystery flu on northern reserve

Published Wednesday June 3rd, 2009

THE CANADIAN PRESS



WINNIPEG - Manitoba Health officials aren't commenting on a mystery flu that has sent at least a dozen people from an isolated northern reserve to hospital.

They will only say that three new cases of swine flu have been confirmed in a sprawling region that includes St. Theresa Point. They say there are 27 new cases overall in the province to bring the Manitoba swine flu total to 38.

St. Theresa Chief David McDougall says two people fell seriously ill, including a pregnant woman who lost her child.

McDougall says it's still not clear whether the illnesses are being caused by the new H1N1 swine flu virus that has circulated in many countries.
The province and Ottawa have sent more doctors and nurses to the community.

http://www.canadaeast.com/wellness/article/688059

 

[Diane Morin]

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Re: Suspected H1N1 flu outbreak hits isolated First Nations reserve

Manitoba health officials won't comment on mystery flu on northern reserve

By Steve Lambert ? 17 minutes ago

WINNIPEG ? Manitoba health officials refused to comment Wednesday on a mysterious flu that has sent at least a dozen people from an isolated reserve to hospital in Winnipeg.

While most people are experiencing mild symptoms, the flu has caused two pregnant women to fall seriously ill, including one who lost her child, according to Chief David McDougall of the St. Theresa Point First Nation.
It has also prompted the community to cancel some public events.

"People like to play canasta with each other at the community hall. It's those kind of social interactions that people have had to hold in abeyance for now," McDougall said from the community roughly 500 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg.

Tests are underway to see if the illnesses are being caused by the new H1N1 swine flu virus that has circulated in many countries. The provincial and federal governments have sent more doctors and nurses to the remote community of 3,200, which is accessible only by air.

Health officials would not discuss St. Theresa Point on Wednesday, and would only say that 27 new cases of swine flu have been confirmed across the province, bringing the total to 38. Of the new cases, three were from the sprawling health region that includes St. Theresa Point.
"We don't provide community names because we don't want to breach any personal health information," said Elise Weiss, the province's acting chief public health officer.

The uncertainty has prompted some residents of the reserve to wear masks. Band officials are asking people to wash their hands frequently and take other precautions. But they say they don't want to overreact.
"People are asked to limit contact with each other and also to use proper coughing etiquette," McDougall said. "I don't want people to get overly alarmed."

Limiting contact is a tall order in St. Theresa Point, where a housing shortage has forced some families to share homes. Some two-bedroom homes are shared by up to 12 people.

Such conditions make it harder for reserves to fight disease outbreaks, says the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

"Those communities in that area, many of them lack even running water (and) there's overcrowding," assembly Grand Chief Ron Evans said. "Those are real big issues that we all have to try and contend with and find a workable solution."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5i0wF62wFhFnyUliempeR7E3HIQqw