Significant increase in flu-related deaths and hospitalizations across Alberta

Another 12 Albertans have died after contracting the flu.

Alberta Health Services released the latest statistics Thursday and the number of flu-related deaths for this season now sits at 27, up from 15 the week before.

Hospitalizations are also up across the province. They now sit at 905 cases, up from 802.

That brings the total number of people sick with the flu across Alberta to 3,393, up from 2,865 last week.

In Calgary, there have now been 1,027 lab-confirmed cases of influenza, up from 843, and in Edmonton there have been 1,167 lab-confirmed cases, up from 1,042.

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The south region has now reported its first flu-related death.

In Calgary, Alberta Health Services says:

• Ten individuals have died after having lab-confirmed influenza at the time of death;
• None of the fatal cases had been immunized;
• Eight were between 18 and 64 years old;
• Two were over age 65;
• Two of the 10 fatal cases had A H3N2; seven of 10 had A H1N1, one was Influenza A untyped.

In Edmonton, Alberta Health Services says:

• Eleven individuals have died after having lab-confirmed influenza at the time of death;
• Nine of the fatal cases had not been immunized;
• One person had received only one of the two doses that were recommended this season to be fully protected against influenza;
• One was considered immunized;
• Two were less than 18 years old;
• Seven were between 18 and 64 years old;
• Two were over age 65;
• All 11 fatal cases had A H1N1.

In the South Zone, Alberta Health Services says:

• One individual has died after having lab-confirmed influenza at the time of death;
• This person had not been immunized;
• Was 65 years of age or older;
• Had influenza A H3N2.

In the Central Zone, Alberta Health Services says:

• Three individuals have died after having lab-confirmed influenza at the time of death;
• None of the deceased had been immunized;
• All were between 18 and 64 years old;
• All three fatal cases had A H1N1.

In the North Zone, Alberta Health Services says:

• Two individuals have died after having lab-confirmed influenza at the time of death;
• Neither of the deceased had been immunized;
• Both were between 18 and 64 years old;
• Both fatal cases had A H1N1.