H1N1 Health Advisory June 11 2009 @ 3 p.m.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared a Pandemic and has moved from Phase 5 to Phase 6, meaning that the H1N1 virus is now being easily transmitted to and among humans at a community-level and world-wide level, resulting in an increased and sustained spread of the virus in the general population. Although WHO has declared a pandemic, please note that Canada and Ontario have NOT declared a Pandemic as of yet.
Health Canada will be sending out a notice to all First Nations communities regarding WHO’s change from Phase 5 to Phase 6. All NAN member First Nations are encouraged to review and update their pandemic plans. If you require assistance, please contact Dr. Geoff Dunkley, Community Medicine Specialist at Health Canada geoff_dunkley@hc-sc.gc.ca or phone 613 954 2408.
Pikangikum First Nation – Health Situation
Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority hosted a conference call this morning in response to recent reports of an infant from Pikangikum First Nation being diagnosed with H1N1. In attendance at this conference call were representatives from NAN, Meno Ya Win Health Centre, First Nations & Inuit Health, Health Canada, Independent First Nations Alliance, and Tikanagan Child & Family Services.
Health Canada’s Regional Community Medicine Specialist, Dr. Lilian Yuan, reported that a baby, who has familial ties to Pikangikum First Nation but has never lived there, was confirmed positive for the H1N1 virus. Yuan further reported that the baby has been treated and has recovered.
Upon returning to Pikangikum, family members, who were visiting the baby were advised to isolate themselves in order to protect the other community members from possible infection. To date, these individuals have been asymptomatic – NOT showing any symptoms of the H1N1 virus. Yuan has confirmed that these particular individuals DO NOT have H1N1 and there is NO case of H1N1 in the community of Pikangikum.
St. Theresa Point First Nation – Update
On Monday, June 8, 2009 Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, St, Theresa Point First Nation Deputy Chief Waylon Mason, and NAN Public Health Policy Analyst Sarah Perrault were on
Wawatay Radio to provide an update on the St. Theresa Point First Nation health situation. At this time, Deputy Chief Mason reported that there were two confirmed cases of H1N1 in their community but that those who were confirmed were treated and recovered. Deputy Chief Mason also stated that out of the 26 people who were airlifted out of the community, 12 still remain in hospital awaiting a diagnosis. NAN has sent the St. Theresa Point First Nation Chief and Council our support and gratitude for taking the time to share communications with NAN and NAN’s member First Nations.
Tracking H1N1
As of June 10, 2009, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has reported 2,978 laboratory-confirmed cases of H1N1 across Canada. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) has reported that in Ontario, there are 1,562 laboratory-confirmed cases of H1N1 where one case has been confirmed in Northwestern Ontario. Almost all the cases reported to date are considered mild, where the vast majority of these cases have recovered.
Sources of Accurate Information
NAN would like to encourage its’ member First Nations to access information from their
Community Health Nurse at their respective Nursing Station. The nurses are updated by their Zone Nursing Officers. These Zone Nursing Officers are updated by Health Canada on a weekly basis. The nurses in your community will have accurate, up-to-date information.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also has general information and laboratory-confirmed cases regarding the H1N1 virus which can be accessed at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/swine_200904-eng.php
NAN would also encourage its First Nations community members visit First Nations & Inuit Health – Ontario First Nations Pandemic website for updated information: http://pandemic.knet.ca/
NAN also posts updates on our website: http://www.nan.on.ca/
Again, NAN cannot express the importance of communicating accurate information to its
member First Nations communities. NAN is continually in contact with and working closely with First Nations & Inuit Health – Ontario Region and with Health Canada.
If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to call:
Sarah Perrault
Public Health Policy Analyst
807 625 4913 (direct line)
or email sperrault@nan.on.ca
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