June 11, 2009 - The World Health Organization (WHO) raised the global pandemic alert level from 5 to 6 today, meaning that a global outbreak of H1N1 flu has been declared. The decision by the World Health Organization to move to Phase 6 is an indication of sustained community spread of the virus in more than one continental region, and not the severity of illness.

Most H1N1 flu cases in Ontario are mild and currently there is no reported increase in influenza-like activity in our District. However, H1N1 has been confirmed in Northwestern Ontario and in many places where H1N1 has been detected, it has become the predominant strain in that area.

“People who are most at risk for severe illness are the elderly, the very young, and those with chronic health conditions,” said Ken Allan, Director of Health Protection.

Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, said today that Ontario moved quickly to implement a plan to deal with the H1N1 flu virus and is well positioned to deal with the World Health Organization’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6. 

Ontario’s health system is guided by the Ontario Health Plan for an Influenza Pandemic (OHPIP). Under the plan the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will continue: heightened community surveillance; guidance to the health sector; partial activation of the Emergency Operations Centre; enhanced monitoring at local levels, and public communications. 

Health care providers have been asked to review their pandemic plans for business continuity and be ready to manage an influx of cases.

“We have a pandemic plan in place, and we continue to meet with our community partners to discuss the local situation,” Allan added.

Here in Ontario, the virus continues to resemble seasonal influenza with mild symptoms in the majority of cases. The MOHLTC reports that, as of June 10, 2009, there were 1,562 cases of H1N1 flu virus in Ontario. Almost all cases to date in Ontario have been considered mild. The vast majority have recovered. To date, two people in Ontario who had the H1N1 virus and chronic medical conditions have died.

To prevent spreading and catching the germ that cause illnesses like the flu:

-          Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.

-          Sneeze and cough into your upper sleeve.

-          Stay home from work, school and other public places when you are sick.

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