The Hook

The B.C. Centre for Disease Control has confirmed two cases of swine influenza in B.C. so far.

Dr. Danuta Skowronski told media both cases are in the Lower Mainland and both involve people who recently travelled to Mexico, where the outbreak started.

Nova Scotia is the only other Canadian province so far to confirm the presence of swine influenza in four cases.

But there is good news for people fearing a major public-health crisis.

"This is not necessarily scary monsters," said Skowronski, the lead epidemiologist at the BCCDC. "So far the kind of illness we are seeing in Canada is different than what we're seeing in Mexico."

In Mexico, health officials say the virus has been found in many patients suffering with severe respiratory illness. Here, Skowronski says the confirmed swine influenza cases have only generated typical flu-like symptoms.

Premier Gordon Campbell said protocols are in place to ensure quarantines in case the outbreak spreads.

"We've been aggressive in terms of our review of passengers [returning from Mexico] and how they're feeling," he said.

The BCCDC are telling people who feel they may be infected to treat their illness like any other flu.

"Stay at home. Do us all a favour and don't spread it," Skowronski said.

Matt Kieltyka reports for Vancouver's 24 Hours.