Toronto Hospital Worker Infected With H1N1 As Ontario’s Caseload Rises To 49
Posted May 6, 2009 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A Toronto hospital worker is one of the 49 people in the province currently infected with H1N1.
All the Ontario cases to date have been mild.
The worker, who was not providing patient care, was employed at Princess Margaret Hospital.
The person had no link to Mexico and the hospital is following up with any staff that may have had direct contact with the infected person.
Since the H1N1 outbreak began, the vast majority of the deaths have been in Mexico – even though the same virus has been found all across the world. It’s an issue that’s been puzzling scientists and doctors alike.
“There’s nothing at the genetic level that differentiates this virus from Mexico and those from Nova Scotia and Ontario,” explained Dr. Frank Plummer of the National Microbiology Laboratory.
The virus has not mutated, a significant finding as scientists try to explain why so many have died in Mexico but elsewhere in the world, cases haven’t been as serious.
“Part of the answer is that it’s likely not the virus itself,” Plummer added.
It might be the age of the victims, but at this point, scientists just aren’t sure.
Meanwhile, Ontario has confirmed 13 new cases of the swine flu bringing the total number in the province to 49. And of the positive results announced Wednesday, two were in Toronto, which now has a caseload of 12.
Dr. David Williams, the province’s acting chief medical officer of health, stressed that all of the cases have been mild and those infected are either on the mend or have fully recovered. He advised Ontarians to go about their daily routines and simply exercise common sense to avoid getting sick.
“It’s like the flu season,” he explained. “So wash your hands frequently and use alcohol rubs if you haven’t got a sink and water and soap. Clean common surfaces like doorknobs and counters and even things like TV monitor changers. Stay clear of people who are coughing or sneezing and cough or sneeze into the sleeve of your jacket or shirt. If you’re ill, stay at home and monitor the situation.”
On Monday, officials revealed a young girl who came down with the H1N1 virus in Alberta had become severely ill and had been sent to hospital. But so far, she’s the only one in the country and was said to be recovering well.
“Mild flu still kills several thousand Canadians every year,” warned Dr. Vivek Goel of the Ontario Health Prevention and Protection Agency. “So it’s still something we need to be vigilant about and concerned about.”
In Mexico City, the subway is running once again and across the country, schools and public buildings have reopened after intense sanitation.
Here’s how the Canadian numbers break down:
Ottawa, 1
Durham, 7
Halton, 2
Middlesex-London, 1
Oxford County, 1
Peel, 6
Simcoe, 2
Sudbury, 2
Toronto 12
Windsor-Essex, 5
York, 9
Unknown, 1
To see the inside of an actual flu testing lab, check out Medical Specialist Dr. Karl Kabasele’s story below.
Dear Colleagues,
Today I’m letting you know that we have one confirmed case of Influenza A H1N1 virus in a staff member at PMH. This individual was not providing patient care and is now recuperating at home. Occupational Health is evaluating and following up with any colleagues who had direct contact.
Our PMH colleague had no link to Mexico, which suggests the H1N1 virus is becoming more widespread in the community. Therefore, it’s more important than ever that we all take precautions to stay well for our families, colleagues and patients. Please, wash your hands!
Stay home if you are experiencing any fever or symptoms typical of this virus – new cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches and stomach upset.
Please call Occupational Health and Safety to report your symptoms. If you become sick while at work, report to the Occupational Health Clinic at your site between 0730-1530 hours Monday-Friday. During off-hours please go directly home and report to the Occupational Health Pager. If your symptoms worsen and you need medical care, see your family doctor. If your symptoms are severe, visit the Emergency Department closest to your home.
I would like to wish our PMH colleague a speedy recovery. We all know that flu can be a nasty bug. Let’s focus on taking every precaution – individually and collectively – to minimize its effects on our community.
Bob Bell
