Government of Canada Continues Vigliance in Addressing H1N1 Flu Virus

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, May 18 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Government of Canada, in consultation with provinces and territories,
and international partners, continues to implement a proactive and
balanced response to the H1N1 flu virus. Canada's Minister of Health,
Leona Aglukkaq, is currently participating in the World Health Assembly
in Geneva, Switzerland, where international governments are actively
sharing information and best practices on their responses to this virus.

"The emergence of the H1N1 flu virus last month warranted a strong
response in order to gain an understanding of the threat and to take
appropriate actions", said Minister Leona Aglukkaq." The knowledge that
we have now gained is allowing us to take more targeted measures,
including enhanced vigilance and preparation for the Fall flu season."

Government of Canada officials continue to be on heightened alert for
surveillance of the H1N1 flu virus, and are actively sharing this
information with provincial, territorial, and international partners.
Guidelines for front line healthcare workers continue to be reviewed to
ensure that the latest information about the virus and its spread is
reflected.

"We have been fortunate that this first wave of illness caused by the
H1N1 flu virus has been relatively mild and behaves similarly to common
seasonal influenza," said Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's Chief Public
Health Officer. "That said, we will continue to be vigilant in our
surveillance and management of this outbreak. There is no room for
complacency when it comes to dealing with any flu viruses."

In relation to travel-related measures, the Public Health Agency of
Canada issued a travel health notice today advising Canadians that it is
no longer recommending postponing non-essential travel to Mexico due to
the H1N1 flu virus.

The latest evidence indicates the number of H1N1 influenza cases in
Mexico has leveled off and the risk of contracting the virus has
decreased. Nearly all cases of H1N1 infection in Canada caused mild
illness. With the H1N1 virus circulating within Canada, travel to Mexico
is no longer a heightened risk factor for the spread of the virus.

The Agency continues to urge those going to Mexico to take precautions to
reduce the risk of getting the flu, including consulting a medical
professional prior to departure. This is especially true for high risk
travelers including those with underlying medical conditions, children
under two years of age, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with
weakened immune systems.

Canada Border Services Agency officials will continue to provide all
international travelers entering Canada by land or air with hand-outs
that include information about the H1N1 flu virus, what to do to avoid
getting ill and steps to take if the traveler experiences symptoms. This
practice will continue until necessary based on public health advice.
Canada Border Services Agency officials will continue to perform a visual
assessment as to whether a traveler appears ill. Public information
posters that outline infection control measures such as hand washing will
continue to be located in airports.

The Public Health Agency of Canada will be suspending a number
Mexico-specific travel measures it had put in place along with the travel
warning.

- Health Alert Notices will no longer be distributed to passengers on
direct flights to Mexico

- Onboard announcements to passengers on returning direct flights from
Mexico will be discontinued;

- Quarantine officers will continue to be available to assess ill
passengers, but will no longer meet every direct flight entering Canada
from Mexico; and

- Canada Border Services Agency officials will discontinue using
additional screening questions related to H1N1 flu virus (such as asking
travelers whether they have a fever or cough and if they have been to an
affected area)

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to recommend that Canadians
take precautions to avoid the spread of the infections such as the flu,
both at home and abroad, including:

- Washing hands often and thoroughly and use hand sanitizers

- Coughing and sneezing into your arm, not your hand

- Keeping common surfaces and items clean and disinfected

- Staying home if you're sick, unless directed to seek medical care

For the latest information on the H1N1 flu virus, visit www.fightflu.ca
or call 1-800-454-8302.

Contacts:
Public Health Agency of Canada
Media Relations
613-941-8189

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