Update for Thursday, November 5, 2009

Update on Community Pandemic Operations
Moose Factory
Issued By: Moose Factory Public Health Centre
Date: Thursday November 5, 2009
Time: 1:00 p.m.

For
Nov 4/09
Total To date
(Accumulative)

Confirmed H1N1 Cases
0
22

Hospitalizations with Influenza Like Illness (ILI) Symptoms
0
5
▪ 3 have since recovered and discharged
▪ 2 remain in hospital, in stable condition and recovering

Patients Treated at WGH Emergency Department
7
77
The numbers for the above are provided and confirmed by Weeneebayko General Hospital.
Update: # 11

Severity Level for the Community: ‘Moderate to Severe’

Has the Flu ‘Peaked’ in our community yet? Through a survey of some sort, we need to find out how widespread the flu is within our community. As well, we need to determine if the flu has already peaked or should we expect the flu situation to get worse. Media reports say that the H1N1 Flu has not peaked yet and it is expected to peak within the next two weeks. We are developing a Community Flu Survey form for the above and we hope to conduct this survey soon. The information collected will be tabulated and used to guide our Community Pandemic Operations. For this important survey we ask for your support and cooperation by responding when the survey is conducted.

Local Schools: Reports provided by Ministik, DDECS & MFACE report a slight decrease of 10% for students with flu-like symptoms. The overall percentage of the student population with flu-like symptoms is now at 55-60%. The school staff will conduct another student survey on Friday Nov 6. All schools are closed for the reminder of this week and the school authorities continue to monitor the community flu situation.

H1N1 Flu Immunization Clinic: Our local population is approximately 2,450 and 1,030 community members or 42% of the community members have now been immunized. The Public Health Centre will operate the H1N1 Immunization Clinic on the following dates at the EPR Pandemic Control Centre:

- Thursday November 5/09: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Friday November 6/09: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

An Immunized Community: In an effort to establish a goal for an immunized community, we reviewed our population figures and took into account a number of reasons why some community members cannot or will not get immunized within the coming weeks. Some reasons for not getting immunized with the H1N1 vaccine include; medical reasons, age, pregnancy, school, and beliefs. Based on our review, our immunization program at this time is to immunize 66% or 1,600 community members. We need to immunize 570 or more community members to reach or surpass our goal.

When does the vaccine take effect? As reported in previous updates, the H1N1 vaccine takes approximately 10 -14 days to take effect. Vaccination clinics started on Oct 28, 29 30 & Nov 1; so, we are hoping to see more positive results in our community within the next week or two.

If you need to speak with the Public Health Centre staff, please call the Pandemic Control Centre at 658 – 4100 or the Health Centre at 658 4220. For any other emergencies please call the Emergency Department at the Hospital.

Thank you.