A young child has died at the North Bay Regional Health Centre. This is a very tragic event. This child had presented with a flu-like respiratory illness and preliminary screening was positive for Influenza A. This case is under investigation pending autopsy results.

Every year influenza results in about 12,000 hospitalizations and, on average, 3,500 deaths in Canada each year. H1N1 is the predominant flu strain circulating this year, but is a part of Canada’s regular flu season and has been since 2009. The best protection against the flu is the flu shot and this year’s vaccine is a good match. This year’s flu shot protects against specific H1N1 and H3N2 Influenza A viruses and one strain of Influenza B virus. Community clinics were offered throughout the North Bay Parry Sound district during the month of November and December, and flu shots continue to be available through the Health Unit, doctors’ offices and participating pharmacies.

A drop-in flu shot clinic will be held this weekend:
Date: Sunday, January 19
Time: 11 am – 3 pm
Location: Health Unit, 681 Commercial Street, North Bay ON

If you have questions about influenza, contact the Health Unit at 474-1400 extension 2229 and speak with a nurse:

• Friday January 17, 4:30 pm – 9 pm
• Saturday January 18 and Sunday January 19 from 11 am – 3 pm
• Monday to Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Quotes

“We are partnering with the Ministry Of Health and Public Health Ontario to address the implications that this case may have to the safety of our patients and the community. A complete clinical review is taking place, and this is all that can be disclosed at this time. More information may be forthcoming. As Chief of Medical Staff and on behalf of the hospital, I want to offer my deepest and most sincere condolences to the family.”
Dr. Donald Fung, Chief of Staff
North Bay Regional Health Centre

“We have a report of the death of a child under five years of age at the North Bay Regional Health Centre. Although the child initially presented with influenza-like symptoms, cause of death has not been determined. This is under investigation pending an autopsy. I wish to convey my condolences to the family. I want to reassure people that this flu season is not seeing increases in the number of influenza cases, hospitalizations or deaths. It is, however, affecting younger people.”
Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit

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Media Inquiries
Caroline Parnell,
Communications Coordinator
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 2221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: caroline.parnell@nbpsdhu.ca

Visitors to the hospital will be asked to wear masks in patient care areas

Today the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC) has identified its North Bay campuses to be in ‘High Risk Influenza Status’.

Danielle Baker, Director of Risk Management says this status is based on a number of factors. “’High Risk Influenza Status’ is declared when there is an increase in influenza- like illness and lab confirmed influenza locally, provincially and in our Emergency Department,” Baker explains.

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has reported 58 confirmed cases of influenza in our district; seven of these cases are at NBRHC.

To help protect our patients, when ‘High Risk Immunization Status’ is declared, the Hospital’s Influenza Policy requires staff, physicians and volunteers to be immunized or wear masks in patient care areas.

“To help protect our patients, we ask you not to visit if you are unwell,” says Patty Byers, Manager of Infection Prevention and Control. “Visitors will be asked to wear a mask when entering patient care areas. Masks will be provided at each unit or lodge for visitors.”

Reports indicate that the vaccine this year is a good match for the strains of influenza circulating and there is still time for those who haven’t been vaccinated to do so.

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Contact:
Lindsay Smylie Smith
Public Relations Specialist
705-495-7592
lindsay.smyliesmith@nbrhc.on.ca