Manitoba confirms 27 new cases of swine flu

The number of confirmed swine flu cases in Manitoba has soared to 38, from 11 previously.

Manitoba Health authorities announced Wednesday27 new confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus in people between the ages of one month and 56 years. Of the new cases, three patients have been treated in hospital.

Thirteen of the new cases weremales and 14 were females.

Few details were provided regarding the areas of the province where the new cases were reported, other than that two of the three new cases arefrom twoFirst Nations communities in the Burntwood health region.

That region includes St. Theresa Point, a northern Manitoba community from which 12 people suffering severe flu-like illnesses were flown by air ambulance this past week to Winnipeg. Two women and 10 children have been admitted to hospitals in the city.

The two women are listed in critical condition and one of them, who was pregnant, has lost her baby.

However, provincial health officials would not say if any of the new swine flu cases includedthose people.

The only information that health officials provided was a list of the health regions where the 38 cases across Manitoba have been confirmed. It did not saywhich of those are the new cases.

Canada had confirmed 1,530 cases of swine flu as of June 1 and three deaths have been reported.

The provincial government is encouraging the public to maintain the strength of their immune systems by making healthy food choices, being physically active and getting enough sleep.

Other tips to prevent the spread of any germs include:

• Covering a cough or sneeze, using a tissue or the inside of the elbow.
• Washing hands often with soap and water, especially after a cough or sneeze.
• Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth.

Those with flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, aches and fatigue, are most contagious for aboutone week. During that time, people are encouraged to stay home from school or work and limit contact with others to reduce the chance of spreading the virus.

Anyone seeking advice or care can call Health Links at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257.