The possibility of pandemic flu is again in the headlines. An outbreak of Influenza A(H1N1) - Swine Flu has hit Mexico and spread to other countries who have reported laboratory confirmed cases including the United States (91), Canada (13), Germany (3), New Zealand (3), the United Kingdom (5), Israel (2) and Spain (4), as at April 29. The United States have reported one death from the virus.

Influenza A(H1N1) - Swine Flu has created unparalleled urgency for government health authorities and employers. This alert provides interim guidance for managing the risks to your organization and understanding what resources are available. Additional guidance will be forthcoming as Mercer learns more about managing the risks.

Influenza A(H1N1) - Swine Flu is a respiratory disease that was historically limited to pigs and is now spreading from human-to-human. It is caused by type A influenza viruses and its symptoms are similar to those of the seasonal flu. To learn more about the virus, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada webiste.

The World Health Organization (“WHO”) reports that these events are of high concern as there is epidemiological data demonstrating human-to-human transmission and the ability of the virus to cause “community-level outbreaks”. This has raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 4  in response to the outbreak. A Phase 4 alert signifies that the virus can be transmitted from person-to-person therefore representing an increased likelihood of a pandemic.

Although the WHO has not issued travel restrictions to Mexico, as of April 27, 2009, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends travelers to avoid non-essential travel to Mexico until further notice.

Understanding and preventing Influenza A(H1N1) - Swine Flu

Influenza A(H1N1) - Swine Flu is a respiratory disease that leads to flu-like symptoms including headaches, chills, cough followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may and in more severe cases, complications such as pneumonia may develop.

Prevention is the best measure to avoid influenza: avoiding close contact with people who appear unwell and who have fever and cough, washing hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly, get adequate sleep and drink plenty of fluids. Anyone feeling ill, with fever, cough and/or sore throat should stay at home and should contact their health care provider if symptoms appear within seven days of their return from Mexico.

We suggest that employers carefully monitor the situation, using the WHO and the Public Health Agency of Canada government websites.

Additional information is available on provincial authorities’ websites and from the United States’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention.