Alberta reports 6 influenza deaths; cases increase by 134 per cent in one-week

Six Albertans have died from influenza, marking the first recorded deaths from the flu this season, according to the latest data update from health officials.

Six Albertans have died from influenza, marking the first recorded deaths from the flu this season, according to the latest data update from health officials.

On Thursday, Alberta Health released the data showing the deaths include a four-year-old child, an adult 50-59 years old, as well as four seniors, three of which were between the ages of 70-79, and one who was between 80-90 years of age.

Two of the deaths were in the Calgary zone, while one death was reported in the Central, Edmonton, North and South zones, respectively.

In the 2021-22 influenza season, the first three deaths were reported on Apr. 30.

Along with the deaths are sharp increases in influenza cases, hospitalizations and ICU admissions.

Alberta added more than 1,191 cases of influenza between Nov. 6-12, marking a 134 per cent increase in one week. That brings the provincial total to 2,082 so far this season.

In the 2021-22 season, a similar number of cases had not been reached until the end of May.