Public Health Alert – Influenza A confirmed in the region

Situation

The Northwestern Health Unit has identified the first laboratory confirmed case of Influenza for the 2024-25 season in the Sioux Lookout area. The type is Influenza A. It is certain that others in the region have also been infected, and it is likely that influenza is now a risk in all communities in Northwestern Ontario.

Requested actions

• Please use this information to inform your index of suspicion for Influenza disease and when considering the provision of antiviral treatment, if clinically indicated
• Encourage Influenza immunization
• Communicate early with NWHU about any symptoms of respiratory illness in institutional patients or LTCH residents to facilitate early and expedited testing and effective control of spread
• Review Antiviral Medications for Seasonal Influenza in 2024-25: Public Health Considerations
• Consult the Respiratory Illness Surveillance Report to see what is currently circulating in your area

Resources

• Influenza (flu) | Public Health Ontario
• Ontario Respiratory Virus Tool | Public Health Ontario
• Ontario Public Health Standards: Requirements for programs, services, and accountability | ontario.ca

Contact:
Sandra Krikke, RN
Manager, Infectious Diseases
Northwestern Health Unit
skrikke@nwhu.on.ca