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Ontario Investigates First Child Fatality Associated With H1N1 Flu Virus

June 22, 2008

News

Dr. Arlene King, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, says that a six-year-old girl with the H1N1 flu virus has died. The Peel Region child had not been hospitalized and passed away on June 15. On June 19 laboratory testing confirmed a positive test for the H1N1 flu virus in this individual.

The H1N1 flu virus appears to have been a factor in the girl’s death. The exact role the virus played in the death is under investigation by the Office of the Chief Coroner.

Ontario has 137 new confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus since Friday, bringing the total number of cases in the province to 2,665. Almost all of the cases reported to date have symptoms similar to those of seasonal influenza. The vast majority of these cases have recovered. Twenty-four people who have the H1N1 flu virus were in hospital as of June 19, a number of whom have underlying medical conditions.

The Ontario cases involve 1,365 males and 1,228 females (the gender of 12 cases is unknown) with an age range of <1 to 84. The average age of the cases is 21.

Quotes

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of this young girl at this difficult time and we extend to them our deepest sympathies.”
– David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

“We continue to implement our plan to deal with the H1N1 flu virus, which includes heightened surveillance and guidance to the health sector. Ontarians should continue to protect themselves and those around them by washing hands frequently, coughing or sneezing into your sleeve, and staying at home if they are sick.”
– Dr. Arlene King, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health

Quick Facts

• On average, two to three children under the age of 19 die every year because of seasonal influenza.
• Symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus are similar to seasonal influenza (flu) including, chills and cough followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur in adults as well as in children. In more severe cases, or in people with chronic conditions, complications such as pneumonia may develop.
• People who have symptoms of respiratory illness should contact their health care provider or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
• For general information on the H1N1 flu virus, call the ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-800-476-9708 or visit the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website.

Learn More

For more information about H1N1 flu virus.

To learn more about hand washing.

Read about public health initiatives in the province.

Members of the media :

Steve Erwin, 416-326-3986
Minister's Office

David Jensen, 416-314-6197
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
ontario.ca/health-news