June 11, 2009

Dear Stakeholder:

As you may know, the World Health Organization today declared a Level 6 H1N1 (human swine influenza) pandemic, based on the transmission patterns of this new influenza virus around the world. This simply means the virus has spread to more locations; it does not mean the virus is more severe.

This was not a surprise. We were aware that this might happen, and we are prepared for it.

In Nova Scotia, we have had 79 cases of H1N1 (human swine influenza) to date. In most situations, the cases we’ve seen here in Nova Scotia have been typical flu-like illness, which patients can treat at home. We have had one case, in Capital District Health Authority, which required hospitalization. That patient had a pre-existing medical condition, and is now improving.

We continue, however, to take the virus seriously. We are preparing for the possibility that Nova Scotia might see more cases of H1N1 (human swine influenza), and with greater severity, with more people requiring hospitalization.

In Manitoba and in Nunavut, where numbers of cases continue to increase, a significant number of people from remote communities who’ve been infected with the virus have required hospitalization for severe illness. It is not clear why that’s the case. Regardless, together we need to prepare Nova Scotia’s healthcare system for the possibility that we may see more cases of this virus, and more severe cases. We must also be prepared for the strain that could place on the system.

I would encourage you and your organization(s) to also prepare for the potential that this virus could return with increased frequency and severity. You can do this by ensuring your own business continuity plans are in place and by keeping up-to-date on the most current information.

Please remember that prevention is always the best way to prevent flu-like illness. Please take note of, and share, the following key tips to staying well:

Visit www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/cdpc/h1n1-influenza-posters.asp for general handwashing hygiene posters you can post in your office or facility.

Thank you for your support and your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Robert Strang MD, MHSc., FRCPC

Chief Public Health Officer

Department of Health Promotion and Protection

May 22, 2009

Dear Stakeholder:

As you know, District Health Authorities, the IWK, government and public health and health system partners across the province have been working closely together to manage the H1N1 (human swine influenza) situation in the province.

As of May 21, 2009, the total number of cases reported in Nova Scotia since the outbreak began on April 26 is 69. All cases were mild and have not required hospitalization. In the last week, we’ve seen a significant decline in the number of new cases.

When H1N1 first appeared in Nova Scotia, our goal was to slow the spread of the virus. This approach was based on the fact that H1N1 was a new virus and we weren’t sure how severe it would be. Over the last few weeks, we’ve learned that H1N1 acts very much like seasonal influenza. As a result, we are shifting our approach to manage the virus the same way we would manage seasonal influenza. Other provinces are also moving, or will soon be moving, in this direction. As part of the transition in Nova Scotia, and due to a reduced volume of calls, the toll-free, general information line that was established will now be a voice recording only.

It is very possible that H1N1 will reappear in the fall and it could potentially be much more severe. Government, District Health Authorities, the IWK and health care workers are actively preparing and planning for that possibility. I would encourage you, as a stakeholder, to also prepare for the potential that this virus could return with increased severity in the fall. You can do this by ensuring your own business continuity plans are in place and by keeping up-to-date on the most current information. The H1N1 situation should be a valuable learning experience for everyone in Nova Scotia – government, public health, business, communities and citizens.

I’d like to stress that prevention is always the best way to prevent influenza-like illness. Wash your hands frequently, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or arm, frequently clean and disinfect common surfaces and items such doorknobs and counters, and stay away from public places if you are sick. Visit www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/cdpc/h1n1-influenza-posters.asp for general handwashing hygiene posters you can post in your office or facility.

Thank you for your support and assistance in sharing information about H1N1 the last few weeks. I will likely call on you again in the fall as we prepare for influenza season.

Regards,

Robert Strang, MD, MHSc, FRCP(C)

Chief Public Health Officer

Department of Health Promotion & Protection

This is exciting news for all Respiratory Therapists in Nova Scotia. Stay tuned for more information!