Northern Swine Flu Numbers On The Rise

Northern Swine Flu Numbers On The Rise

Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 15:01

The impact of swine flu is being felt in northern Saskatchewan.

Dr. James Irvine, chief medical health officer for the North, says there are several suspected cases of the H1N1 virus — more commonly known as swine flu — in the region. Five have been confirmed.

He says at least one of those people had to be hospitalized, but that person is recovering.

Irvine says no one diagnosed with H1N1 had recently been to Mexico, but some have connections to Manitoba and southern Saskatchewan.

He adds that special attention is being paid to the northeastern part of the province, especially Sandy Bay, due to its proximity to the Manitoba border.

Irvine won’t say which specific communities the carriers came from, but he does say influenza-like symptoms are being found throughout the North.

He advises anyone with flu-like symptoms to wash their hands vigorously.