IDF 2009 Montreal

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has received a few queries as to the impact of the H1N1 influenza (so-called swine flu) outbreak on the Congress. An outbreak of the H1N1 flu strain originated in Mexico, and was clinically identified in April 2009.

The World Health Organization has raised the pandemic alert level to Phase 6. It is important to know that the decision is based on the spread of the virus and not the severity of illness it causes. In general, the H1N1 flu virus continues to causes moderate illness globally, with most people affected recovering without medical treatment.

At the time of writing, 94,512 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection have officially been reported, including 429 deaths (Source: World Health Organization, accessed 23 July 2009). There are 10,156 known cases in Canada including 50 deaths, of which 19 have occurred in Quebec (Source: Public Health Agency of Canada, accessed 23 July 2009), the province where the World Diabetes Congress is scheduled to take place.

The Government of Canada has reassured its citizens that it will continue to implement the Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan, including:

• Ensuring that the National Antiviral Stockpile can be mobilized quickly.
• Working with vaccine manufacturer to advance the process of developing and testing a vaccine in accordance with a pre-established standing contract.
• Managing the National Emergency Stockpile System (NESS), which contains hospital supplies, equipment and other pharmaceuticals (including a stockpile of anti-viral medication.

Information and resources

• Online information and resources about the H1N1 flu virus from the Public Health Agency of Canada, in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments.
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Cases of H1N1 flu virus in Canada

For general enquiries, you may also call the following number: +1-800-454-8302.

IDF is closely monitoring the situation and is provided with regular information updates by the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Public Health Agency of Canada through their online communication. Should we judge that there is any threat occurring in the Montreal area during the Congress period, we will inform all participants and take appropriate action. IDF is pleased to share the following facts about the current situation and will release further information if the situation changes:

1. The World Health Organization advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. Scientific research indicates that restricting travel will be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease. The focus now is on minimizing the impact of the virus through the rapid identification of cases and providing patients with appropriate health care.
2. Individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travellers who fall ill should seek appropriate health care.
3. Travellers can protect themselves and others by following simple recommendations aimed at preventing the spread of infection. These recommendations are measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases and not only influenza A (H1N1).
4. If the need arises, IDF will ensure appropriate referral should anyone attending Congress show symptoms of H1N1 infection. As is the case with all international travel we recommend that Congress participants ensure that they have adequate travel health insurance.

You can access further information on the H1N1 influenza pandemic on the World Health Organization website.