For the first time since the current Influenza season began, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is reporting an Influenza-related death in the community.
The health unit's weekly Influenza Surveillance Report says, between February 7 and February 18, there were 14 new, laboratory-confirmed cases of Influenza in London and Middlesex County. Of those, six had to be hospitalized and one died.
Since the start of what had been a quiet Influenza season on September 1, there have been a total of 46 laboratory-confirmed cases in London and Middlesex County. There have also been no outbreaks declared in any long-term care facilities.
At this time last year, the health unit had reported 241 laboratory-confirmed cases of Influenza A and three cases of Influenza B. There had been 97 hospitalizations and six deaths. A total of 30 outbreaks had been reported at long-term care facilities.
And while the numbers this season are well behind those of the last Influenza season, the health unit says Influenza activity in the community is on the rise. It says it's not too late to get a flu shot.
