 |
|
|
  |
H1N1 UPDATE: Three area deaths possibly H1N1 related
All three individuals were from the London area but while all three were diagnosed with Influenza A and each virus subtype is not yet known, health officials said the deaths were likely caused by the Pandemic (H1N1) influenza as that is the only strain presently circulating in the community. "The individuals who died are a man and a woman in their 70s, both of whom had multiple underlying medical conditions, and a two-month-old infant. Laboratory analysis of samples taken from all three individuals has confirmed that they were ill with a strain of influenza A, the results of further testing to identify the exact virus type are expected soon," health officials said. The death of this two-month-old infant is the first recorded in Ontario of a child under the age of one year. "We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends who have lost their loved ones," said Dr. Graham Pollett, Medical Officer of Health with the MLHU. "These are the first local deaths we have seen. There have been more than 30 deaths in Ontario due to H1N1 since the spring and we will continue in our efforts to deliver as much H1N1 vaccine as we can in the coming days." The latest information from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care shows that since the beginning of the current H1N1 outbreak, those under the age of one year have had the highest rate of hospitalization due to influenza-like symptoms in Ontario, MLHU officials. Household members of those under the age of six months are among the high risk groups who have been receiving the H1N1 vaccine since Oct. 27 as children of this age cannot be vaccinated. As of Oct. 28, there had been seven deaths from H1N1 in Ontario among those over the age of 65. "However, this age group has the lowest hospitalization rate for H1N1 influenza in the province and is not considered to be at high risk for becoming infected with the novel H1N1 influenza strain. This is because there is evidence to suggest that exposure to a similar strain of influenza earlier in their lives is providing them with some protection against the strain that is currently circulating," said health officials. However, the consequences of influenza-like illness can be severe for those over the age of 65, so it is being recommended that seniors seek the advice of their health care provider as soon as they develop influenza-like symptoms so that they can begin treatment using antiviral medication from the provincial stockpile. The MLHU has also announced seven additional H1N1 vaccination clinics. The clinics will take place through the rest of the week at sites in London and Middlesex County. "We know that there are still a number of people who are in the 'high-risk' category, who want to receive the vaccine but who haven't been able to attend on of our clinics," Pollett said. The clinics will be held at the following times and locations: • Thursday, November 5 – 3:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. * Glencoe Agricultural Society, 268 Currie Road, Glencoe * Western Fair, Special Events building * Clarke Road Secondary School, 300 Clarke Road, London • Friday, November 6 – 3:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. * Western Fair, Special Events building * Westmount Public School, 1011 Viscount Rd., London • Saturday, November 7 – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. * Lord Dorchester Secondary School, 61 Queen St., Dorchester * Westmount Public School, 1011 Viscount Rd., London Only those in the following categories may get the Pandemic (H1N1) vaccine at these clinics: • Individuals under the age of 65 who: * have underlying medical conditions; * are household members of children under the age of six (6) months; * are household members of individuals with problems with their immune systems (examples: cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS, transplant patients, kidney dialysis, taking long term steroids and some other drugs); * Children between six (6) months and less than five (5) years of age; * Pregnant women with underlying medical conditions or healthy women over 20 weeks of pregnancy; * Health care workers. |
Submit Comment:
More Headlines
|
|
|