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Death toll from flu rises to five in South Zone

Jan 13, 2017 | 9:46 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — More deaths from influenza have been confirmed by Alberta Health Services in the South Zone.

In the weekly report issued by AHS, the number of lab-confirmed deaths from influenza is now at five in the South Zone, up from two the week before.

The zone, which includes Medicine Hat and Lethbridge, is now tied with Calgary for the most flu deaths this season. A total of 17 Albertans have died from the flu so far this season. Four have died in the Central Zone, two have died in the Edmonton Zone and one has died in the the North Zone.

Dr. Karin Goodison, Medicine Officer of Health with AHS – South Zone, says last year’s flu season was milder compared to this year. In the South Zone last year, five people died during the entire flu season.

“The South Zone and Calgary certainly got impacted earlier and harder compared to the rest of the province at this time,” she said over the phone from Lethbridge.  “That is a little bit different than we see in other seasons.”

Goodison there are a number of variables involved when determining the likelihood of deaths from the flu, including whether they have been vaccinated and how vulnerable they are to illness.

However, the numbers in the South Zone could mean the worst of the season is over for the region, said Goodison.

“These numbers that we’re seeing now are the South Zone at probably the peak of the season,” she said. 

AHS expects the province’s flu season will peak in the third week of January, later than average, said Goodison.

More than 2,100 cases of influenza have been confirmed in Alberta, with 672 Albertans hospitalized this season. The majority of hospitalizations have been reported in Calgary. The South Zone has seen 72 people hospitalized this season.

Goodison is reminding Albertans to take precautions to stop the spread of influenza.

“There’s still value in getting your flu shot,” she said, noting even though the peak of the season is coming close, the virus is still kicking around.

“The flu is still around, it’s at peak levels, so it’s not too late to get your vaccine.”

Nearly 1.1 million flu vaccines have been administered to Albertans.