Prince George, B.C - There are now 15 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in B.C.  all but one are known to be in the lower mainland. That was the news delivered this morning by Premier Gordon Campbell. He says all of the cases have been mild.

Of the new cases, 3 are secondary transmissions meaning they are cases in people who did not travel to Mexico. Specifically, two of the cases are paediatric and are related to two previously identified cases (members of the same family) and one case is that of person who was in contact with another who had recently returned from Mexico. The fourth new case is a young adult who recently returned from Mexico.

“It will be interesting to see if the secondary transmissions will remain the exception rather than the rule” says Dr. David Patrick of the B.C. Centre for Disease Control. Dr. Patrick says the best way to reduce the possibility of secondary transmission is to practice frequent handwashing and if you feel you have flu symptoms, stay home from work or school.

“We are all in this together” says Premier Gordon Campbell “We cannot leave it up to the health care professionals alone.” Premier Campbell reiterated the need for everyone to practice good health care practices,  “People are right to be concerned abut this influenza, it is important to be vigilant but not fearful.” He called on all British Columbians to practice hand washing to assist health professionals in slowing down the spread of the illness. “What you and I do will make a difference.”

There are reports of a Canada Customs officer at the Vancouver Airport being taken to hospital with flu like symptoms, but Dr. Patrick says it is much too early to say if that is another case of the H1N1 flu.