Bonnie Henry Announces Six Children In B.C. Have Died This Season From Flu-Related Illness

Six young people have died from influenza-related illness in British Columbia, early in this flu season.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, says early findings indicate some of the children experienced secondary bacterial infections contributing to severe illness, which can be a complication of influenza.

While death associated with influenza in previously healthy children continues to be rare, public-health officials are monitoring the situation closely, and are urging everyone to do their part by taking steps to protect yourself, your children and loved ones against the flu.

Dr. Henry says the children who died included one who was younger than five years old, three who were between five and nine, and two adolescents who were between 15 and 19.

Hospitals also continue to deal with a surge of new patients as influenza cases pick up, along with cases of RSV and Covid-19.

Canada’s premiers are holding a news conference in Winnipeg today to address the issue.