H1N1 flu cases in Canada hits 51
Posted: 02 May 2009 0739 hrs

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VANCOUVER, Canada: Canada raised its number of H1N1 flu cases to 51 on Friday with patients being treated from coast to coast of this vast country.

A total of 17 new cases were reported in five provinces throughout the day.

Gordon Campbell, premier of westernmost British Columbia province, said 15 cases had been identified in the province, four more than previously announced.

"All of them are relatively mild (cases)," he said, adding that the infected people were recovering or had already recovered.

But Campbell warned: "Unfortunately, we may see some deaths. It's important for us to recognise that."

Two cases were also detected in neighbouring Alberta province, the hub of Canada's oil industry, said local authorities. Public broadcaster CBC said one of the two newly infected Alberta women had travelled to Mexico.

Six new mild cases of H1N1 human influenza were also reported in easternmost Nova Scotia province. All of them were connected to an outbreak at a local school that recently welcomed back students from a Mexican vacation.

"These new numbers are what we expected," said Robert Strang, chief public health officer for Nova Scotia.

As well, Ontario reported four additional cases, bringing its total number of confirmed infections to 12. Earlier, eastern New Brunswick province reported its first case of H1N1 flu.

Canada has now recorded the third highest number of cases of H1N1 flu after the epicenter Mexico, and the United States.

Canada's breakdown of cases is: 14 in Nova Scotia, 12 in Ontario, one in New Brunswick and one in Quebec in the east of the country, eight in Alberta and 15 in British Columbia to the west.


- AFP/so