'Take this seriously,' Yukon health officer says of swine flu risks

The Yukon's medical health officer says people should take precautions in case swine influenza comes to the territory as two Yukoners returning home from Mexico said they're doing all they can to be careful.

Karyn and Robin Armour said they're not sure what kind of screening to expect as they travel home Thursday from San Miguel de Allende, where they have been vacationing.

Karyn Armour told CBC News that while she and her husband are currently both healthy, they have been washing their hands regularly and taking other preventative steps while in Mexico.

"The other day, we thought we would go out and buy surgical masks, as we're going to the Mexico City airport today and will be there for two or three hours," Armour said in an interview Thursday.

"But there's no such thing left anywhere in Mexico — no such thing as handwashing fluids or that sort of thing. So that's a bit disconcerting."

Number of flu cases growing

A total 97 cases of swine flu, caused by a new strain of the H1N1 virus, have been confirmed to date in Mexico, according to the World Health Organization.

The WHO announced Thursday that it has started distributing a stockpile of antiviral drugs to Mexico and other countries.

The Armours are doing the right thing by being cautious, said Dr. Brendan Hanley, the territory's medical health officer.

"We do want people to take this seriously and to be able to prepare," Hanley said.

"I think by and large, both national and local media here have done a good job of helping us to get some of the basic message out: stay home if you're ill; frequent handwashing; coughing into your sleeves; and just thinking ahead if and when the H1N1 influenza arrives in the Yukon."

No cases in Yukon so far

The total number of confirmed swine flu cases in Canada rose to 34 Thursday afternoon, with new cases reported in Alberta, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia.

There have been no cases of swine flu in the Yukon to date. Earlier this week, Hanley said some samples from Yukoners with flu-like symptoms were sent for testing.

Yukon Health Minister Glenn Hart said his government is ready to deal with a flu pandemic, should it arrive within the territory's borders.

Hart told the territorial legislature Thursday that the government has stockpiles of necessary supplies, such as antiviral medicines and facemasks, stored in a secure facility and available when needed.

Hart said public health officials have kept Yukoners informed on a regular basis, and will continue to make regular updates public.