City officials have confirmed Ottawa's first case of the H1N1 virus that's caused widespread concern about a possible pandemic across the globe.

Dr. Isra Levy, the city's chief medical officer of health, says the male patient was sick when he returned home from Mexico about a week ago. He is now recovering from a mild case of H1N1 influenza.

"Appropriate measures were taken before anyone knew he had this condition. He was assessed, found to be in stable condition and was discharged home with appropriate advice and has continued to do well," Levy told reporters at a news conference Tuesday afternoon.

Levy said although the man has been in contact with others since his trip to Mexico, none of those people have shown any symptoms of the virus. He says those who travelled on the same plane as the patient also have no need to worry.

"Individuals who were travelling with that individual should not be unduly concerned any more than anyone else in the community," said Levy.

Health officials did not release the man's name or any details about his age or the neighbourhood he lives in because they want to protect his privacy.

"It really doesn't make a difference to any of the rest of us in the community," said Levy, who added the virus should be treated more like the seasonal flu.

Ontario now has 36 confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza. All cases are considered mild.

Two of the 36 cases involve person-to-person transmission. The rest all appear to link back to Mexico, where the outbreak of the virus began.

Ontario's chief medical officer of health said people who have recently been to Mexico but haven't shown any symptoms in the past seven days are okay to return to work.

"I've been impressed with the responsibility people have taken in this regard," Dr. David Williams said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon.

H1N1 flu symptoms include:

  • chills and cough followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue;
  • runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation;
  • nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur in adults, as well as in children.

In severe cases, or in individuals with other medical problems, pneumonia can develop.

Health officials say people can avoid spreading any flu-like virus by following these guidelines:

  • cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it;
  • wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective;
  • avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way;
  • try to avoid close contact with sick people;
  • stay home from work or school and limit contact with others if you get sick.

Williams said the guidelines particularly apply to people who have recently been to Mexico or those who have had contact with a confirmed case in the past seven days.

Those Ontarians who have general questions about H1N1 flu can call the ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-800-476-9708.

If someone has flu-like symptoms and believe they may have H1N1 flu, they should call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000.