Confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1) at the RCMP Academy

REGINA, June 11, 2009 – There have been three confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1) at the RCMP Academy, “Depot” Division.

According to the RCMP North West Region Health Services Officer, Dr. Warren Dufour, all cases are mild and all necessary steps are being taken.

“Today we were informed that three cadets have tested positive for influenza A(H1N1). As per our pandemic planning protocols, and after discussion with public health officials in the Regina Qu'Appelle Health District, the sick cadets have been isolated from the rest of the cadet population and decontamination procedures are continuing,” reported Dr. Dufour. An additional 14 cadets who are showing flu-like symptoms have also been isolated.

In collaboration with medical authorities from the Regina Qu'Appelle Health District, RCMP Health Services are taking all necessary steps to limit the spread of the illness both within the Academy and in the surrounding communities.

Cadets showing sign of infection have been isolated in a temporary medical triage and treatment centre at the Academy according to pre-established protocols.

Internal messages have alerted all employees and cadets to the dangers of infection, the means to minimize risk and the procedures to follow should they exhibit flu-like symptoms.

Training activities continue but access to the RCMP Academy is restricted to essential deliveries only.

Non-training activities, including a planned Diversity Day that was to involve nine cultural groups from the local community, have been postponed.

According to “Depot” Division Commanding Officer, Assistant Commissioner Roger L. Brown, “the Academy is a unique environment, where RCMP cadets live, learn and work in very close proximity. For this reason, we are proceeding with caution, to ensure that this virus is contained, and spreads no further.”

Further information on the influenza A(H1N1), please visit the Regina Qu'Appelle Health District website (http://rqhealth.ca/).

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For more information please contact:

Sgt. Alain LeBlanc
NCO/IC Communications & Events Management Services
RCMP “Depot” Division
office: 306-780-6371
cell: 306-502-0193