June 26, 2009 - The Health Unit is confirming two new cases of H1N1 flu from the District of Thunder Bay. One of the cases resides in the City while the other lives in an outlying community. One of the cases is a child under the age of 1 year.  These two cases bring the total to three.

To date, there are a total of 3154 confirmed cases of H1N1 in the province of Ontario. Almost all of the cases reported to date have been mild. The majority of these cases have recovered. Six of the seven individuals who have died had underlying medical conditions.  The Office of the Chief Coroner is still investigating the seventh death. 

Today, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care announced a new surveillance system to monitor H1N1 flu virus activity in the province.  This will allow health units to focus their efforts on detecting severe cases and investigating suspected outbreaks. 

To prevent spreading and catching the germ that causes 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 when you are sick and away from work, school and other public places.

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