H1N1 activity is down from previous weeks

News Release
MoH
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has issued the latest edition of the Ontario Influenza Bulletin. Highlights on the H1N1 flu virus in the bulletin for the surveillance period of November 15 to November 21, 2009 includes the following.
For the surveillance period of November 15 to November 21, 2009:
Influenza activity in Ontario was lower compared to the previous week.
Fewer patients reporting influenza-like symptoms consulted sentinel physicians this week than the previous week.
However, the rate of influenza-like illness (ILI) in patients seen by sentinel physicians continues to be above the average rate expected at this time of year.
Two health units reported widespread influenza activity for the current reporting week. Thirteen health units reported localized influenza activity and 18 health units reported sporadic influenza activity.
There are 8,270 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus reported through the integrated Public Health System (iPHIS).
Please note: The Influenza Bulletin provides information based on the surveillance period from November 15 to November 21, 2009. Case counts from the previous week are submitted to the ministry by public health units every Tuesday.

The Ontario Influenza Bulletin is available on the ministry website at: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ccom/flu/h1n1/pro/flu_bulletin.aspx