From Sandy Lake First Nation web site ...

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.

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Another source indicates that there are now two confirmed cases of the virus in Keewaywin First Nation. 

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Click here for a PDF copy of the following letter from Health Canada

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Visit http://pandemic.knet.ca for the latest updates from Health Canada

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WHO Declares Flu Pandemic

11 Jun 09 - Today the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a H1N1 influenza pandemic (alert level 6) because the virus is spreading throughout the world.This is the first global flu epidemic in 41 years. The decision is scientific confirmation that a new flu virus has emerged and is quickly circling the globe.

It is important to note that the majority of cases in Canada have been mild versions. However, the WHO has expressed concern about a "disproportionate number" of more severe cases in a remote First Nations community in northern Manitoba.