Infant, two seniors die of H1N1 in London
November 5, 2009
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LONDON, Ont. – The Middlesex-London Health Unit says three people, including an infant from London, Ont., have died from H1N1, The London Free Press reports.
The two-month-old boy and a man and woman in their 70s are the region's first deaths from the virus.
Medical officer of health Dr. Graham Pollett says the baby was healthy prior to becoming infected.
Pollett says the little boy died on Monday.
The two adults – in an age group not considered high-risk for the virus – had multiple underlying medical conditions.
One was already in hospital and the other was admitted because of flu-like symptoms.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends who have lost their loved ones," Pollett said Wednesday.
The infant would not have been eligible for the H1N1 vaccine because he was under six months old.
"For parents with infants, the most important thing is to be immunized themselves so if they develop symptoms they don't pass them on to their children," Pollett said.
Although the exact virus sub-type involved isn't known yet, the health unit believes it's the H1N1 strain because that's the only strain that's been infecting people across Canada.
Tests are being done in Toronto, Pollett said, and results should be available in the next two or three days.
Read more on our H1N1 page.
thestar.com
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