A case of swine flu has been detected in the province.

In a written statement, Dr. Arlene King, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, confirmed that a case of influenza A H1N1 variant was detected in Ontario.

King says a man became ill with the flu strain after having close contact with pigs. He is currently being treated at a hospital in southwestern Ontario.

The H1N1 influenza virus normally circulates in animals and is referred to as a variant virus when humans are infected.

Dr. King says the variant virus rarely spreads from animals to humans and that human to human transmission is also rare.

King says even though this isn't a food safety issue, people should always cook meats properly to kill all bacteria and viruses.

People are also being advised that hand washing is the single best infection prevention and control measure against respiratory illnesses such as influenza. Individuals should wash their hands often with soap and running water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.

Ontarians are also being advised to get a flu shot to protect themselves.

The last time Canada had a swine flu pandemic was back in 2009, when 428 people were killed and 3.5-million affected.