Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

Novel Respiratory Viruses: Information for Health Care Providers

Updated July 2024

The World Health Organization and Public Health Agency of Canada are closely monitoring novel and emerging respiratory infections caused by viruses.

The risk of human infections and transmission of novel influenza virus (such as avian influenza A(H5N1) or swine influenza A(H3N2)v) or novel coronavirus (such as MERS-CoV) is currently low in Canada. However, it is important that all health care providers are aware of the steps to identify, diagnose and treat persons who may be infected with these viruses.

Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI)

Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) is defined as an acute respiratory infection with:

  • history of fever or measured fever of ≥ 38 C°
  • and cough
  • with onset within the last 10 days
  • and requires hospitalization.

The initial risk assessment must consider common causes (e.g., seasonal influenza) and exposures to novel and emerging respiratory pathogens. SARI alerts should trigger clinicians to "Think, Tell and Test."

  • Think about the possibility of an emerging respiratory infection (e.g. novel influenza A virus)
  • Tell the local medical officer of health
  • Test for pathogen after appropriate consultation and based on clinical symptoms

Novel Influenza

Humans can be infected with avian, swine and other influenza viruses. Outbreaks of avian influenza A(H5N1) in domestic and wild birds and some wild mammals have recently emerged and become widespread in Europe and North, Central and South America, including across Canada and in Saskatchewan. Currently circulating zoonotic influenza viruses have not yet demonstrated sustained person-to-person transmission.

Coronaviruses

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Viruses in this family also cause illness in animals.

We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve