Swine flu outbreak of 2009 has been causing great concern around the world. The cause was influenza ‘A’ (H1N1) virus. With the recent strain of virus being most virulent and its transmission being from humans to humans there is a greatercause for concern around the world. World Health Organization (WHO) has given it a risk rating of Phase 5, which is one level below official pandemic. Along with Mexico, US there have been around 140 reported cases of Swine flu in Canada also. Federal health officials at a recent news conference confirmed this.

Swine flu was first reported in Mexico and US around middle of April 2009. There were not many cases reported around that time in Canada. As of April 26th 6 cases of swine flu were confirmed in Canada; two in British Columbia and four in Nova Scotia. By 4th May 2009 there were more than 140 cases reported in Canada. The first six Canadian cases were four in Windsor, N.S and two in B.C.’s lower Mainland. Reportedly there were links to Mexican travel. There were more fatalities in Mexican cases around 100 suspected due to swine flu. However, the Canadian cases were mild and did not require hospitalization.

The Canadian health officials have been quick to put in preventive measures. They have warned people against complacency. The officials were relieved that the swine flu symptoms among patients in Canada were relatively mild and patients are recovering. However, safety measures are in place to avoid it's spread. Passengers returning from Mexico wore masks during their flights. Similarly Canadian border guards wore masks and latex gloves. This was just to be on a safer side just in case anyone carrying the virus sneezes or coughs or does anything that may cause it to be transmitted to a new person.

In handling such outbreaks Canada has first hand experience. Health officials and their emergency departments as well as clinics are better prepared after they have dealt successfully with the 2003 SARS episode. Canadian officials have not warned their citizens against travel to Mexico. However, airlines were waiving cancellation fees for passengers postponing or changing their Mexico City visit. Many confirmed cases from Canada were of travelers to Mexico. Officials are relieved that most cases have been mild and have fully recovered.

Chief public health officer, Dr. David Butler Jones is optimistic that with the summer approaching the cases so far have been mild. He was satisfied that the federal government had announced a citizen readiness campaign. The targets of this campaign are mainstream media and social networking sites that will be used to spread awareness about thepreventive measure that can be taken. The general public has not shown any panic reaction. They have carefully understood the advisories and warnings issued at appropriate times by various departments.

The health officials and government officials have been working towards reassuring Canadians that despite an increase in number of cases, Canada has taken necessary steps to contain the virus. With the support of the citizens, some of those have even imported the new Swedish invention Smittstopp, they have been able to keep everything pretty much under control. Governments around the world are responding appropriately and co-coordinating efforts to deal with the situation.

Tags: Canadian Cases Of Swine Flu, Swine Flu – Canada, world health organization, Swine Flu in Canada, Health

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