OTTAWA

Ottawa reports third swine flu-related death

ctvottawa.ca Published Thursday, July 30, 2009 5:26PM EDT

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As the City of Ottawa reports the third swine flu-related death in the capital, health officials say they are preparing for a resurgence of the virus this fall.

A 62-year-old man who contracted swine flu died from underlying medical conditions within the past week.

So far, 357 people in Ottawa have tested positive for the virus. Those patients range in age from less than one year to 84 years old; half are under the age of 18.

In all, 69 people in Ottawa have been hospitalized for swine flu and three people have died. Right now, there are only three patients being treated in hospital.

Still, the city said it's preparing for an increase in the number of cases this fall.

It's going to be a difficult season, but it's not going to be the worst that could be imagined, the city's associate medical officer of health told reporters at a news conference on Thursday.

"We're assuming the severity of the disease will remain mild, but we don't know whether the severity of the disease will change," said Dr. Vera Etches.

Meantime, area hospitals are already preparing for an influx of swine flu patients by making sure ventilators are in place to help treat those with severe respiratory problems.

"If we have a pandemic and we need extra ventilators, that's what these were designed to be here for -- at a moment's notice they can roll out," said Steven Marszalek, an emergency preparedness officer with the Ottawa Hospital.

Although children and teens are at higher risk, health officials are urging parents to continue sending their kids to school when classes resume in September.

Ottawa school boards are already working on pandemic plans in the event a large number of staff and students fall ill.

"If one per cent is off, it's not a big problem. But if suddenly you have 30 per cent off, you are talking about 1,200 teachers and 12,000 students. So, we have to be ready for both those exigencies," said James McCracken, director of education with the Ottawa Catholic School Board.

Federal health officials said those who want to be vaccinated for swine flu should be able to access the vaccine by late fall. The government said a list of priority groups should be ready by September.

Meantime, residents are being reminded to take precautions, such as frequently washing their hands and coughing or sneezing into a sleeve, to protect themselves from the virus.

Symptoms of swine flu may include: