“I am confident in the capacity of the PEI health system to effectively respond to this situation,” said Doug Currie, Minister of Health. “We continue to work closely with our Federal, Provincial and Territorial colleagues across the country and follow national guidelines and protocols. We have an incredible team of staff and physicians across the province who have the knowledge and ability to plan and respond appropriately to this evolving challenge.”

“It is not surprising that we are seeing confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu virus here in Prince Edward Island,” said Dr. Heather Morrison, Chief Health Officer for the Department of Health, at a news conference yesterday. “The number of confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus is increasing around the country and around the world, so we knew it was a matter of time before we saw a confirmed case on PEI.”

“The best protection against H1N1 flu virus (and other influenza viruses) is good hand washing with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand rub,” said Dr. Morrison. “Islanders are reminded to cough and sneeze into their arm or sleeve and stay at home if they are sick.”

Islanders who are experiencing influenza-like symptoms and have recently travelled to Mexico withing the last 10 days, or have come in contact with someone who is sick and has travelled to Mexico within the last 10 days, should see a physician or call the toll free hotline at 1-888-748-5454.

Symptoms of the H1N1 Flu Virus are similar to the symptoms of common or seasonal influenza and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, and occasionally diarrhea and vomiting.