Swine flu in Manitoba now confirmed in 152 people: health officials

Manitoba health officials announced 33 new confirmed cases of swine flu on Monday, bringing the provincial total to 152 cases.

No information was provided by the government on the ages, gender or specific communities of the cases. The protocol has been to not reveal which communities have confirmed cases, for fear it will stigmatize them.

There are also 30 people currently in intensive-care units in Manitoba with respiratory illnesses, but not all are related to swine flu, also known as H1N1 influenza A virus, health officials stated in a media release Monday afternoon.

The government said it is also working to provide more doctors and nurses in First Nations communities experiencing influenza outbreaks. Over the weekend, two nurse practitioners, who responded to a provincial call for assistance, travelled north to work. Two doctors who responded will leave later this week.

Plea for doctors, nurses to go to flu-stricken north

Last week, Manitoba Health Minister Theresa Oswald held a special summit with medical leaders from across the province and issued a public plea to doctors and nurses to help northern communities hit hard by swine flu.

A number of doctors and medical residents have also expressed interest in helping out in the north, stated the government press release.

"Details and arrangements for these professionals to assist are being worked out. There are a number of licensing and supervision issues that need to be worked through," Monday's release stated. "This effort is intended to help provide for a longer-term solution."

There has also been some dispute over the amount of medical supplies being distributed to the northern communities. The provincial government said last week that it has provided surgical masks, respirators and anti-virals to meet the needs of those remote residents.

But some aboriginal leaders have been requesting more supplies, saying they do not have near enough.

Supplies not for use by everyone: government 

On Monday, the government suggested the discrepancy has to do with a misunderstanding about who needs the materials. Some of the northern communities believe that every resident should be outfitted but that is not the case, the government said.

"Manitoba Public Health recommends the use of masks by health-care professionals in health-care settings based on a case-by-case assessment of exposure. In most situations, masks have not been recommended for general use by the public [because] improper use of masks could actually cause spread of infection," the release stated.

Anyone who has symptoms of flu-like illness, such as fever, cough, aches and tiredness, is most contagious for three to four days, but it is possible to spread the disease for up to a week once symptoms start to appear, provincial health officials said.

They advise anyone exhibiting symptoms to:

• Stay home from school or work while ill and limit unnecessary contact with others.
• Contact a health-care provider or visit the nearest health-care centre if concerned about advice or care, or especially if symptoms are severe or worsening (i.e. shortness of breath, dehydration, worsening fever, cough or weakness).

Manitobans should continue to take the following precautions:

• 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. Hand sanitizers are also effective.
• Limit touching of your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Take steps to maintain your health by taking care of yourself and those in your care, including eating a healthy, balanced diet, avoiding cigarette smoke and other harmful substances, being active and getting enough rest and sleep.

Anyone seeking advice or care can call Health Links at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257. The telephone information service is staffed by registered nurses 24-hours,  seven days a week, who can provide answers to health care questions.

The demand for the service has spiked in the past week, with close to 200 calls taken on the weekend alone. The government has increased staff to manage the calls.