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Flu count jumps to 685, more new cases expected

MANITOBA Health officials have confirmed 227 new cases of H1N1 flu in the province this past week, bringing the total to 685.

Of those confirmed cases, 321 are Winnipeggers and 147 are from the northern regional health authorities of Burntwood and Churchill.

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The increase isn't surprising, said Dr. Elise Weiss, acting chief provincial public health officer.

Most new cases didn't require hospitalization, Weiss said, and most patients were sent home to recover.

The number of new cases is large partly because the province has moved to reporting only once a week, Weiss said.

Still, she expects new cases will continue to emerge over the summer.

"People are mobile and it's travel season."

Weiss couldn't predict when the virus will start to taper off.

She urged the public to be aware of public health messages, like the reminder to wash your hands. Those who are already sick are encouraged to stay home to prevent the spread of illness.

As of Wednesday, the World Health Organization reported nearly 8,000 confirmed cases of H1N1 in Canada with more than 77,000 cases worldwide.

Quebec reported another flu death this week bringing the Canadian death toll to 31, including four in Manitoba.

There have been more than 330 deaths worldwide.

In Quebec, the health department said the province's 13th victim is a woman in her 60s who suffered from other medical problems.

Sixty-two new cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Quebec since June 30. That brings the provincial total to 2,129.

The department is reminding people that symptoms of swine flu are similar to the regular seasonal flu experienced every fall.

It adds that people experiencing severe symptoms such as trouble breathing and sore throats should see their doctor.

-- Matt Preprost, with files from The Canadian Press

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