Public Statement – Update #3

H₁N₁ Outbreak Confirmed in Sandy Lake

Saturday, June 13, 2009

In a radio statement this evening, Sandy Lake Chief Adam Fiddler, Council members and representatives from the Sandy Lake Health Authority announced 10 confirmed cases of the H₁N₁ virus in Sandy Lake.

Test results came back today confirming the previously announced Influenza-A outbreak to be that of the H₁N₁ virus.

Individual testing for the H₁N₁ will no longer be conducted on community members with presenting flu-like symptoms.

Nursing Station staff will consider anyone with I.L.I (Influenza-Like Illnesses) and flu-like symptoms to have contracted the H₁N₁ virus and be treated with the anti-viral drug TamiFlu. 

Treatments of TamiFlu became available to community members last night.  500 adult treatments arrived in Sandy Lake yesterday with another 1100 to have arrived this afternoon.

Nurse-in-Charge Marie Elaine Delvin said 120 cases were treated with TamiFlu on Saturday.

Chief and Council continue to implement all previously announced advisories and precautionary measures including travel and school closures.

Chief and Council will continue to work closely with the Nurse-in-Charge to monitor and assess the H₁N₁ outbreak for ongoing recommendations and action plan.

All media enquiries are to be directed to Chief Adam Fiddler by contacting the Band Office at (807) 774-3421, ext. 232 or at home at (807) 774-4300.