International Union for Circumpolar Health Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of RF Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences Medical Polar Fund “Science” The Northern Forum

Abstracts

The North place in geo planetary world. Urbanization traditions and problems

Sanikiluaq is an island community in the middle of Hudson’s Bay with population of approximately 700, predominantly Inuit. The single airport is the only entry and exit point. The medical facilities include a health center staffed by 3 nurses and 5 ancilliary staff. The community receives a physician visit every 4 weeks through the Northern Medical Unit of the University of Manitoba (NMU). There are no laboratory facilities but chest and limb xrays can be done. All patients requiring hospital or specialist care are flown to Winnipeg, the closest referral center.

Outbreak investigations revealed the community hosting two large public meetings with attendees coming from all over Canada in the two weeks prior to the outbreak. The health center staff were quickly overwhelmed by the number of patients presenting with Influenza-like illness symptoms. A medical emergency was called and a medical team, consisting of a physician (principal author) and a nurse were sent from Winnipeg. Pre-departure planning involved acquisition of medications, viral swab containers, and teleconferences between the community, regional and provincial health departments and the NMU. The medical teams arrival was delayed by inclement weather by one day but they were able to arrive within 48 hours.

The team provided assessment and treatment to forty-five patients upon arrival. Of these, 3 elderly patients medical evacuation to a hospital for respiratory difficulties, 8 required hydration and IV antibiotics, and 7 kids less than 1 yo required continuous follow-up at the health center. A posterior hip dislocation was also successfully reduced by the staff, preventing a costly medivac.

Data analysis revealed that those less than 4 yo and greater than 65yo were more likely to develop an ILI. Laboratory results were positive for Influenza A, fujian strain but these were not known until well after the number of ILI cases decreased. The seasonal Influenza vaccine arrival was delayed earlier in September by weather and only 64 people had received it prior to the outbreak. Of the sixty four, only 6 developed an ILI.

Daily teleconferences were held with the health center staff, regional and provincial health departments and regional referral center. The local TV station and radio were used to disseminate public health education and a live call-in show helped to ease many community concerns. All public gatherings prohibited and schools were closed. A community vaccination campaign gave out 274 vaccinations and essential service worker lists were compiled with the help of the Hamlet staff.

Note. Abstracts are published in author's edition

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Last update: 06-Jul-2012 (11:52:05)