PUBLIC HEALTH MONITORS INFLUENZA SITUATION

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health and public health officials across the province are aware of the severe respiratory illness reported in Mexico and the southern United States.

Saskatchewan public health is closely monitoring the situation and physicians in Saskatchewan have been notified to ask patients presenting with influenza symptoms about their travel history.

"There is still a significant amount of regular seasonal influenza circulating in parts of Mexico so even if you have returned with the flu, you don't need to be alarmed," Provincial Chief Medical Health Officer Moira McKinnon said. "However, because we want to be vigilant in our monitoring process, we would ask that anyone who has returned from Mexico and becomes ill shortly after to contact their medical professional."

Saskatchewan is working closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada to monitor and respond to the situation as required.

People with questions or concerns are encouraged to call Healthline at 1-877-800-0002.

People are reminded the best way to reduce the spread of influenza is to practise good habits like frequent handwashing, and coughing and sneezing into the elbow, rather than hands.

For more information on influenza and self-care visit the Saskatchewan Health website at www.health.gov.sk.ca or www.fightflu.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2743
Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-3593