Five cases of Influenza-A confirmed in Sandy Lake First Nation
Public Statement: Influenza-A in Sandy Lake declared Outbreak
Influenza-A was declared an outbreak in Sandy Lake today after more cases were confirmed and are most likely that of the H1N1 virus.
A conference call today between Health Canada officials, Chief Adam Fiddler and Councillor Joe Kakegamic of Sandy Lake First Nation, Sandy Lake’s Nurse-in-Charge Marie-Elaine Delvin, family physicians Dr. Patty Vann and Dr. Lisa Letkmann, and representatives from the Sandy Lake Health Authority confirmed that Sandy Lake now has an outbreak of the recently confirmed Influenza-A virus in the remote First Nation community of 2,700 people.
All flu-like symptoms or Influenza-Like Illnesses (I.L.I.) in Sandy Lake are now being considered and treated as the H1N1 virus by Health Canada officials.
Test results are expected back tomorrow, Saturday, June 13th, which will confirm the Influenza-A virus as the H1N1 flu-virus that is responsible for the world-wide flu pandemic.
Beginning tomorrow morning (Saturday, June 13th) any community residents with I.L.I. will be treated with the anti-viral drug TamiFlu. 500 adult treatments of TamiFlu have already arrived in
TamiFlu is not a cure for H1N1 or I.L.I. but rather provides a boost to a person’s immune system to fight flu symptoms and decrease the length of sickness in an individual.
TamiFlu will be given to only those individuals who have had flu-like symptoms in the past 48 hours. It is advised that if you are currently experiencing coughing or a fever to call the nursing station immediately at 774-3461 to inform them of your symptoms and to receive immediate treatment.
What is I.L.I?
I.L.I. stands for Influenza-Like Illness. This includes any of the following flu-like symptoms:
- Coughing
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle and body aches
- General feeling of malaise
- Children may experience diarrhea and vomiting.
Sandy Lake will not be under quarantine but Chief and Council continue to strongly advise against any unnecessary travel. If you are experiencing a cough, fever, or other I.L.I. symptoms you are asked to stay at home and refrain from traveling.
We are also asking that any visiting business affairs into
All five education centres in Sandy Lake including the elementary school, high school, Nishtum Head Start, Christian school, and Adult Learning Centre will be closed for the week of June 15-19th.
Some facts about I.L.I. from the nursing staff:
- Flu-like symptoms can last anywhere from 2 to 10 days
- Once the flu-virus is contracted or spread it can take up to 3 days before you see or feel symptoms
- The flu virus will spread with coughing.
If you are concerned with any flu-like symptoms you or a family member (especially in children and elders) may be experiencing, please telephone the nursing station immediately at 774-3461.
Sandy Lake is taking all precautionary measures to ensure the safety of its community and all its members and will continue to provide daily updates on the status of this outbreak.
Sandy Lake Chief and Council and the Sandy Lake Health Authority continue to work closely with the Nurse-in-Charge on a daily basis to monitor and assess the flu outbreak for ongoing recommendations and treatment for the community of Sandy Lake.
All media enquiries are to be directed to Chief Adam Fiddler by phoning the Band Office at (807) 774-3421, ext. 232 or at home at (807) 774-4300.
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Public Statement: Influenza-A confirmed in Sandy Lake
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Sandy Lake Chief and Council and The Sandy Lake Health Authority have confirmed 5 cases of Influenza-A in Sandy Lake.
In a radio statement yesterday evening (Wednesday, June 10th), Chief Adam Fiddler, Councillor Joe Kakegamic and representatives from the Sandy Lake Health Authority including the Health Director announced the presence of influenza in the community. Also on hand to provide information about the flu-virus were family physician Dr. Patty Vann and Nurse-In-Charge Marie-Elaine Delvin.
We wish to emphasize the strain of Influenza-A in Sandy Lake has not been confirmed to be the H1N1 flu-virus that was just declared a flu-pandemic by the World Health Organization and affecting some neighbouring First Nation communities.
Confirmed cases of influenza-A in Sandy Lake are being tested for the H1N1 flu-virus with results expected back within a week. One of the cases, an 11-year old boy is recovering at home after receiving treatment at the Meno-ya-win Health Centre in Sioux Lookout. Another 13-month old child is expected to return home from Winnipeg tomorrow after being discharged today. Two others were treated at the nursing station in Sandy Lake and are recovering in their homes.
Half the student population was absent from school with colds and flu-like symptoms as of Wednesday June 10th, 2009 and the decision was made to close the elementary and high schools for the remainder of the week. The annual Treaty Days festivities that were scheduled for June 11-13th have also been postponed.
Sandy Lake is not in a quarantine, but as a precautionary measure we are asking that all passenger travel be limited in and out of the community and any visiting business affairs scheduled in Sandy Lake be postponed.
Anyone with a cough and flu like symptoms are advised to stay home. Public gatherings are discouraged.
Flu-like symptoms include coughing, fever, vomiting and nausea, headache, and achy bones and body. It is recommended that if you are experiencing any of these symptoms to stay home and to call the nursing station at 774-3461 if your symptoms do not improve.
Some tips from the Sandy Lake Health Authority to prevent the spread of germs:
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Wash your hands regularly
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Avoid close contact with people, including hugging and shaking hands
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Sneeze and cough into your sleeve or Kleenex
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Dispose of any used Kleenex immediately – do not keep in your pockets.
Chief and Council and Sandy Lake Health Authority continue to work closely with the Nurse-in-Charge to monitor the situation.
Local updates will be provided on the community radio (93.5 FM) as well as on the Sandy Lake website (www.sandylake.firstnation.ca)
All media enquiries are to be directed to Chief Adam Fiddler by phoning the band office at (807) 774-3421, ext. 232 or at home at (807) 774-4300.