Southwestern N.S. seeing H1N1 flu increase

There have been no H1N1-related deaths since the province's one fatality in July.

"H1N1 is the only flu strain we are currently seeing in the province," said Maureen Baikie, deputy chief medical officer of health. "We will continue to see more sick people, and activity across the province."

South West Health is one of four district health authorities that have reported outbreaks of influenza-like illness, with an increase in school absenteeism. The others are South Shore Health, Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority, and Capital Health.

The percentage of emergency room visits for influenza-like illness has increased to 15.4 per cent, from 3.7 per cent since the week of Oct. 18-24.

Influenza-like illness has increased to 10.3 per cent, from 5.4 per cent, as reported by physicians around the province.

he report, will be distributed to media on Wednesdays.