Manitoba confirms 40 swine flu cases

Two more cases of swine flu were confirmed by Manitoba Health authorities on Thursday.

The total number of people with H1N1 virus in the province now standsat40.

One of those infected with the virusis amale fromWinnipeg and the other isfrom aFirst Nation community in the Burntwood health region, authorities said. TheWinnipeg man has not required hospitalization, according to a news release from the provincial government.

The gender and condition of the person from the First Nation was not provided, nor werethe ages of either person.

The First Nation was not identified, although the Burntwood health region includes St. Theresa Point, a northern Manitoba community from which21 people suffering severe flu-like illnesses were flown to Winnipeg by air ambulancein thepast week.

Of those, two are women in their 20s who are listed in critical condition. One of themwas pregnant but has sincemiscarried. Results of H1N1testing for the two women have not come back yet, but two people from the reserve have already tested positive for swine flu.

Health-care response on First Nation communities is led by First Nation and Inuit Health (FNIH) of Health Canada, the news release said.The Manitoba government has offered assistance to FNIH and First Nation communities and has already provided:

• Three additional doctors for a First Nation community.
• 45 courses of antiviral treatments.
• 10,000 surgical and 2,600protective masks.

Anyonewho is sick with a respiratory illness should visita health-care provider who will assess whether testing or treatment is required, the release said. Testing for viruses does not change the treatment of a viral respiratory illness.

"Doctors and health-care providers make decisions all the time before test results are available because they know how to treat influenza and other viral illnesses," the release stated. "H1N1 is present in six regions in the province, so every Manitoban should assume that the virus is present across the province.

"All Manitobans need to take the same precautions, no matter where they live, work or visit."

The provincial government is also encouraging the public to maintain their immune systems by making healthy food choices, being physically active and getting enough sleep.

Other tips to prevent the spread of any germs include:

• Covering a cough or sneeze, using a tissue or the inside of the elbow.
• Washing hands often with soap and water, especially after a cough or sneeze.
• Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth.

Those with flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, aches and fatigue, are most contagious for about one week. During that time, people are encouraged to stay home from school or work and limit contact with others to reduce the chance of spreading the virus.

Anyone seeking advice or care can call Health Links at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257.