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April 29, 2009

Latest news on Swine Flu

In Canada, 13 cases of Swine Flu have been reported so far, all from people who recently travelled to Mexico. Cases so far outside of Mexico have been mild. Symptoms of Swine Flu include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing, and sore throat. Some people with human swine influenza have also reported vomiting and diarrhea.

The Public Health Agency advises Canadians to:

    Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer
    Cough and sneeze in your arm or sleeve
    Get your annual flu shot
    Keep doing what you normally do, but stay home if sick
    Talk to a health professional if you experience severe flu-like symptoms


The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has received a letter from the federal First Nations and Inuit Health branch stating that:

"FNIH is working closely with Manitoba Health on the care and treatment of people who may develop swine flu, and also on preventative measures.

"First Nation residents are included in all aspects of the response to swine flu. This includes access to antiviral medications, should that be indicated and acce4ss to a vaccine when one becomes available.

"FHIH is sharing all available health information with community health care staff."

In response, Grand Chief Ron Evans has contacted the Regional Director of FNIH calling for an emergency meeting to coordinate health care measures, including communications that will help First Nations prepare for the Swine Flu outbreak.

In his request for a meeting Grand Chief Evans wrote: "We must ensure that the health and well-being of First Nation people is at the forefront of this public health outbreak as it is rapidly evolving internationally ad has a potential to become a world wide Pandemic.

"As you are fully aware, First Nations have the lowest health status and it can be anticipated that the immunity and tolerance of our people to survive this disease is uncertain at best. We must ensure formal communicaton and measures of prevention and protections are immediately put in place."

Please find below links to the latest information on Swine Flu from the Office of the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization.

 http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2009/h1n1_20090427/en/index.html

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/swine_200904-eng.php

http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=&item=5737

Sources: World Health Organization, Office of the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer, the Public health Agency of Canada and the Public Health Information Network.

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World Health Organization

Public Health Agency of Canada

Province of Manitoba




Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Secretariat Inc Winnipeg Office
200 - 260 St. Mary Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3C 0M6
Toll Free: 1-888-324-5483
Main Reception: 204-956-0610
Fax: 204-956-2109

Head Office located at Long Plain First Nation please contact Winnipeg Office for further information.