Ottawa may issue a warning against non-essential travel to Mexico amid rising international concern over the swine flu outbreak, which has so far led to six Canadian cases.
Public Health Officer David Butler-Jones said the travel advisory could come later on Monday as international authorities ramp up surveillance on the outbreak.
About 1 million Canadians travel to Mexico each year, and Butler-Jones warned that more cases of swine flu in Canada are likely on the way.
"Simply because we're seeing mild symptoms so far, does not mean we can take this for granted," he said at a press conference in Ottawa Monday afternoon.
"We will likely see more severe illnesses and we will likely, unfortunately, see some deaths as well. We hope not, but that is a normal part of an influenza outbreak of any type."
Passengers on a flight from Cancun, Mexico which landed at Toronto's Pearson airport Monday afternoon arrived back in Canada to find masked customs workers and warnings about flu symptoms.
Still, passenger Drew Knight told The Canadian Press that vacationers in Cancun don't appear to be concerned about the outbreak.
Meanwhile, several countries are already warning against travel to Canada.
India's government has issued a travel advisory Monday telling citizens to restrict visits to Canada, Mexico, the United States and New Zealand to essential travel because of the flu virus.
Malaysia's health ministry is reportedly contemplating a similar advisory. Australia's Foreign Affairs department is telling Australian travellers to Canada they should consult a doctor if they develop flu-like symptoms.
While the European Union's health commissioner is urging Europeans to postpone non-essential travel to the U.S. or Mexico due to swine flu, it did not mention Canada.
But Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan said travel warnings should only be made if there is clear evidence of danger or risk.
He added that Canada has reached that stage with only six cases confirmed cases: four in Nova Scotia and two in British Columbia.
Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said the government has an in-depth plan to deal with the outbreak, including:
- Monitoring current flu cases across the country.
- Working with international health partners.
- Researching a new vaccine.
- Accessing current anti-viral stockpiles.
- Providing health services for Canadians.
- Communication the latest developments.
"I think Canadians agree that we need to take every precaution possible," Aglukkaq said. "I would rather be too cautious during a time like this than not cautious enough."
So far, all the Canadian illnesses are linked to Mexican travel, including four patients in Nova Scotia who are students at King's-Edgehill private school.
While only one of the children travelled to Mexico on a cultural and music exchange three weeks ago, the cases weren't identified as swine flu until Sunday.
The children reported typical flu symptoms -- fatigue, muscle aches and coughing -- but nothing severe. Three have fully recovered and one remains in isolation.
In B.C., two people on the B.C. Lower Mainland have been identified as having the virus. They've been asked to "self-isolate" but have not been quarantined.
In Parliament Monday, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff said that there were also two suspected swine flu cases in Quebec - all of which is having an impact on Canada internationally.
"India and Malaysia are warning their citizens not to travel to Canada," said Ignatieff.
"I want to know what steps the government is taking, to ensure not only that Canadians are protected at home, but also that foreign governments are fully aware of the measures our government is taking."
Aglukkaq responded that Canada "has a national plan for disease outbreaks" and is closely monitoring the illness along with provincial and international authorities.
Aglukkaq added that the government is warning all travellers to and from Mexico to watch for the symptoms and to "wash your hands continuously" and "to cover your mouth when you cough."
Suspected cases across the country
Other provinces are investigating suspected cases. Ontario Health Minister David Caplan says two suspected cases are under investigation in the province, though none have been confirmed.
And health officials in Prince Edward Island are investigating eight Islanders who recently returned from Mexico and are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Dr. Michael Gardam, director of Infection Prevention and Control at the University Health Network in Toronto, also expects this flu virus to be diagnosed across the country.
"We are looking for cases in every province and we won't be all that surprised if we find cases in every province," he told CTV Newsnet Monday.
But he adds that there is little anyone can do to stop this bug from spreading at this point.
"When we talk about flu, we don't talk about containment. When you look at the United States, cases have popped up all over in various states. Influenza moves very quickly. So the measures being taken in Mexico for example are not meant to stop this; they're meant to slow it down."
Mexican migrant workers restrictions
Meanwhile, Canada is tightening the screening process for incoming Mexican agriculture workers to try to limit the spread of this flu.
Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said all Mexican seasonal workers will need to have a fever-check by two doctors, fill out a questionnaire and undergo a physical before entering Canada.
He noted its unclear how much this will help stem the spread of the illness and its possible additional steps could be taken if the problem worsens.
About 15,000 Mexican migrant workers work on Canadian farms every growing season as part of the country's seasonal farm worker program. About 300 are expected to land in Montreal this week alone.
The federal government has a telephone hotline for information about the swine flu outbreak. The phone number is 1-800-454-8302.
