Winnipeg paramedics might have contracted swine flu from patients

Winnipeg paramedics who transported northern Manitoba patients suspected of having swine flu might have contracted the H1N1influenza A virus that causes the illness.

The Manitoba Government Employees Union (MGEU) said two emergency medical technicians who picked up the patients at the airport in Winnipeg weren't given any advance warning about the possibly infectious disease and, consequently, weren't wearing the necessary protective gear.

'Those paramedics went on to treat and care for several more people throughout the city of Winnipeg.' Chris Broughton, Manitoba Government Employees Union

As a result, many more people may have been exposed, said MGEU Local 911 president Chris Broughton.

"It could lead to a great deal of paramedics becoming ill with this influenza that could lead to then a difficulty for the city to provide emergency medical services," he said. "There's just no staff available to staff the trucks and provide care. Those paramedics went on to treat and care for several more people throughout the city of Winnipeg."

Ken Simm, deputy chief of operations for Winnipeg's Fire Paramedic Service, told CBC News there was a breakdown in communication. Normally, paramedics are warned when patients have respiratory symptoms so they can wear protective gear.

"If there's a belief that they may have been exposed, and there is some substance to their concerns, they will go through a nasal swab process to determine if, in fact, they have been exposed to the influenza," said Simm.

Broughton said the paramedics are now on days off and are awaiting word on what they may have been exposed to.

Two adult women and 10 children from St. Theresa Point First Nation, a remote northern Manitoba community, were flown by air ambulance to Winnipeg in the past week for hospital care because of an outbreak of a flu-like illness.

Two women in critical condition, 10 children in hospital

The adults and five children were sent to the city a few days ago, and on Monday, another five who fell ill with severe flu symptoms were also transported to Winnipeg, said David McDougall, chief of St. Theresa Point First Nation.

The adult women are in critical condition, and one of them, who was pregnant, lost her baby, said McDougall.

Jack Wood, special advisor to chief and council in St. Theresa Point, said more than 200 people from the reservehave reported being ill and 20 in total have required hospitalization.

'The physicians will look for any viruses that are known to cause those particular symptoms. So certainly, in the current situation, H1N1 is added to the list of what they look for.' Elise Weiss, acting chief provincial public health officer

Provincial health authorities have not yet confirmed whether any of the patients have the H1N1 virus that has been spreading throughout North America and abroad since first appearing in Mexico in April.

Acting chief provincial public health officer Doctor Elise Weiss told CBC News that it is quite common to see outbreaks of flu-like viruses in Manitoba and testing for H1N1 is being done on the patients from St. Theresa Point.

"The physicians will look for any viruses that are known to cause those particular symptoms. So certainly, in the current situation, H1N1 is added to the list of what they look for," she said.

Concern about illness spreading to other First Nations

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Ron Evanstold CBC News there is great concern about the virus spreading.

"We have our people that are living in overcrowded homes. They don't have running water [and] they don't have many of the conveniences that we take forgranted [in urban centres]," he said. "They lack in a lot of areas in health care facilities, in professionals, and all that kind of care that is required.They just don't have that."

Evans saidhe is working with McDougall and health officials in St. Theresa Point to curb the spread of the illness in the community and toneighbouring First Nationslike Red Sucker Lake.

Weiss said the province is also providing whatever support is needed to the First Nations Health Branch.Four additional doctors andseveral morenurses are being sent to St. Theresa Point First Nation.

Until the virus is known and dealt with, school will remain closed in St. Theresa Point, said McDougall.

The remote communityof 3,200 people is located about 500 kilometres from Winnipeg and only accessible by airplane or winter ice roads.