Ontario Canada: Waterloo Seasonal Flu Update: 4 Deaths

Flu hits hard, killing child and three seniors

Dec 10 2012 Excerpts: WATERLOO REGION — The flu has killed a healthy child and three elderly residents as this region suffers through the worst influenza outbreak in the province. The child who died was younger than 10 and previously healthy, but did not have a flu shot, according to the local public health department. Three elderly residents who died had underlying health issues. Influenza A contributed to their deaths. “Waterloo Region currently has the highest number of influenza cases in the province, including four influenza-related deaths,” a public health report states. The latest figures show 70 confirmed flu cases in the region, representing 27 per cent of 264 flu cases across Ontario. Based on population, the local flu rate is seven times higher than the provincial average. The hospitalization rate is three times higher than the provincial average. Influenza A is blamed for 12 recent outbreaks in local facilities including hospitals, nursing and retirement homes. At least two other Ontario residents have died of flu since the influenza season began in late August. Full article: