Swine Influenza in Nova Scotia

Health Promotion and Protection

Published April 26, 2009

The Department of Health Promotion and Protection, working with the Public Health Agency of Canada, has identified four cases of swine influenza in Windsor, Hants Co. The province's chief public health officer Dr. Robert Strang says there is no reason for Nova Scotians to be overly concerned since the people had mild symptoms. They were not hospitalized.

Quotes

There is no reason for the Windsor community or Nova Scotians to be overly concerned. The individuals affected by this illness have all experienced mild symptoms and are recovering. No one, at this point, has been hospitalized because of this illness. Nonetheless, we remain vigilant and are continuing our surveillance work in the Windsor area and across the province.Dr. Robert Strang, chief public health officer for the province.

Nova Scotia is well-positioned to deal with this situation. We have a strong public health system in this province, staffed by highly skilled and caring professionals. I have the utmost confidence in their ability to manage any public health issue that might arise.Pat Dunn, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection

We took all the necessary steps to ensure we were prepared to handle any situation. We reacted quickly, and the fact that we have identified these cases tells me that our extra efforts are working.Dr. Robert Strang, chief public health officer for the province

Quick Facts

  • Like other jurisdictions in Canada, Nova Scotia became aware of the potential health issue last week. The Department of Health Promotion and Protection immediately contacted the province's network of public health professionals in districts across the province to ensure all were well informed, and prepared to act quickly.
  • The department will continue its surveillance efforts across the province using established public health practices and protocols. Any additional cases which arise will also be thoroughly investigated.
  • Anyone planning to travel to Mexico is advised to get a flu shot.
  • Prevention continues to be the best approach to prevent illness. Nova Scotians are advised to wash their hands thoroughly and often, cough into their sleeves and stay away from the public if they are sick.

Learn More

Media Contact

Toby Koffman
Health Promotion and Protection
Cell: 902-237-7456
E-mail: toby.koffman@gov.ns.ca

Images

Robert Strang, chief public health officer for the province, speaks to media today, April 26, about four confirmed cases of swine flu in Nova Scotia.

Robert Strang, chief public health officer for the province, speaks to media today, April 26, about four confirmed cases of swine flu in Nova Scotia.Download high-res version

Dr. Robert Strang, chief public health officer for the province, stands at the podium at a news conference today, April 26, as (seated from right) Health Promotion and Protection deputy minister Duff Montgomery and Pat Dunn, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, listen to Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed, Capital Region medical officer of health, answer a media question.

Dr. Robert Strang, chief public health officer for the province, stands at the podium at a news conference today, April 26, as (seated from right) Health Promotion and Protection deputy minister Duff Montgomery and Pat Dunn, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, listen to Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed, Capital Region medical officer of health, answer a media question.Download high-res version

Pat Dunn, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, speaks with the media today, April 26 at a news conference to discuss the four confirmed cases of swine flu in Nova Scotia.

Pat Dunn, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, speaks with the media today, April 26 at a news conference to discuss the four confirmed cases of swine flu in Nova Scotia.Download high-res version

Media attend a news conference today, April 26, in Halifax, discussing the four confirmed cases of swine flu in Windsor, Hants Co.

Media attend a news conference today, April 26, in Halifax, discussing the four confirmed cases of swine flu in Windsor, Hants Co.Download high-res version

Dr. Robert Strang, chief public health officer for the province, addresses the media at a news conference today, April 26, in Haifax, discussing the four confirmed cases of swine flu in Windsor, Hants Co.

Dr. Robert Strang, chief public health officer for the province, addresses the media at a news conference today, April 26, in Haifax, discussing the four confirmed cases of swine flu in Windsor, Hants Co.Download high-res version

Videos

Swine Flu Press Conference

Audio

Dr. Robert Strang, chief public health officer for the province, outlines precautions people can take

Download audio clip

Dr. Strang describes why communications is important

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Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed, chief medical officer of health, Capital District Health Authority describes symptoms of people

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