First H1N1 death suspected in North
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Updated: November 06, 2009 3:52 PM
Northern Health may have its first fatality as a result of the H1N1 virus.
The virus is suspected in the death of one patient at Prince George Regional Hospital, recently renamed the University Hospital of Northern B.C., this week.
"There has been no lab confirmation that the individual had the H1N1 flu," Northern Health spokeswoman Eryn Collins said. "Until there is an actual confirmation, we won't be releasing any more information regarding that case."
The latest information from the B.C. Ministry of Health shows 15 confirmed deaths linked to H1N1 flu in B.C. — nine in Fraser Health, three in Interior Health, two in Vancouver Coastal Health and one in Vancouver Island Health.
Of those cases, 14 had chronic health issues.
There has been a total of 399 severe cases in B.C. since April, 183 since Oct. 27.
H1N1 vaccines are now available for the most vulnerable populations, which include children between six months and five years old, pregnant women and people under 65 years old with chronic conditions include asthma, diabetes, heart and lung disorders, renal conditions, anemia, cancer or immune system deficiencies.
In Prince George the vaccinations are being performed at 325 Brunswick St. from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday.
According to Northern Health chief medical officer Dr. David Bowering, most people who contract H1N1 will only suffer mild to moderate symptoms similar to a 'seasonal flu' infection.
For more information, go online to www.northernhealth.ca.
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