Ontario First Nations Pandemic

TO: ONTARIO FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES
FROM: HEALTH CANADA, FIRST NATIONS INUIT HEALTH, ONTARIO REGION
SUBJECT: FIRST NATIONS H1N1 SITUATIONAL UPDATE
DATE: JULY 20, 2009

As of July 17, 2009, there are over 10,000 laboratory confirmed cases of H1N1 flu cases in Canada. Of these, 3636 have been in Ontario. Among First Nations on reserve, 60 confirmed cases have been reported in ten communities in Sioux Lookout Zone, eight communities in Thunder Bay zone and one community in Southern Zone.

TO: ONTARIO FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITES
FROM: HEALTH CANADA, FIRST NATIONS AND INUIT HEALTH
SUBJECT: H1N1 FLU INFORMATION PHONE LINE
DATE: JUNE 17, 2009

First Nations and Inuit Health - Ontario Region has established a toll-free line that will address general enquiries about H1N1 from community members. The phone number will be answered from 9am to 6pm EST seven days a week. The number is:

TO: ONTARIO FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES
FROM: HEALTH CANADA, FIRST NATIONS INUIT HEALTH, ONTARIO REGION
SUBJECT: FIRST NATIONS H1N1 FLU CASES
DATE: JUNE 16, 2009

The H1N1 flu virus is widespread in Ontario and cases have now been reported on reserve. There is a concerted effort with the Public Health Agency of Canada, First Nation partners and the province to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated response to these cases.

Download the attached poster. (English and French)

Flu symptoms are: cough and fever, runny nose, sore throat, body aches, fatigue and lack of appetite

Protect yourself and others:

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly in warm, soapy water or use hand sanitizer
• Cough and sneeze in your arm, not your hand
• Keep common surfaces and items clean and disinfected
• Stay home if you're sick.

Contact a health care provider if your symptoms worsen

TO: ONTARIO FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES
FROM: HEALTH CANADA, FIRST NATIONS INUIT HEALTH, ONTARIO REGION
SUBJECT: WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION DECLARATION
DATE: JUNE 11, 2009

On June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared a pandemic. This decision was due to growing evidence that the H1N1 virus is now easily being transmitted to and among humans, resulting in increased and sustained spread of the virus in the general population. The decision to move to Phase 6 was the result of increasing spread of the virus worldwide with sustained community level outbreaks. It should be noted that a pandemic has not been declared in Canada nor in the Province of Ontario.

To: Ontario First Nation Communities

From: Health Canada, First Nations Inuit Health, Ontario Region

Subject: H1N1 Cases and Severe Respiratory Illness in Manitoba

Date: June 9, 2009

UPDATED September 2009

The attached document answers these common questions about H1N1 Flu Virus (Human Swine Flu)

Attached is a Proper Handwashing poster.  The poster is available in 4 languages; English, Ojibway, Cree and Oji-cree.

The six steps are:

1. Wet hands
2. Use liquid soap
3. Lather, rub and count to 20
4. Rinse
5. Towel or air dry hands
6. Turn off taps with towel or sleeve

Download the attached document for instruction on caring for H1N1 flu cases and contacts.

• Instruction for Confirmed or Suspect H1N1 Cases
• Instruction for Contacts of H1N1 Cases
• Instruction for Caregivers of H1N1 Cases

Source: Interim Guidelines for Cases and Contacts were provided by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care - April 30, 2009

The document is available in 4 languages; English, Ojibway, Cree and Oji-cree.