Health officials in London-Middlesex say the area has recorded its first influenza-related death of the flu season.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit, in its latest influenza surveillance report, says there were 14 new cases of laboratory-confirmed Influenza A in the community between December 11 and 17. Of those, nine required hospitalization and one died.
The number of influenza cases has begun to grow more rapidly recently. Last week saw 14 of the 36 total laboratory-confirmed cases reported to the health unit since September 1.
There have also been five influenza outbreaks declared in care facilities since the beginning of September. Three of those were reported last week.
The health unit encourages people to get a flu vaccination. Frequent hand washing is also recommended.
Influenza vaccinations can be recieved at most pharmacies and doctor's offices. The health unit also operates a vaccination clinic at its facility on King St. The schedule can be found here.
