Alberta reports 8 more influenza deaths, over 300 new hospitalizations
Eight more Albertans have died from influenza, according to the latest data update from health officials bringing the total so far this season to 24. The 2021-22 flu season had a total of 14 deaths.
On Thursday, Alberta Health released data showing the deaths included four adults and four seniors.
One of the adults was between the ages of 30-39, one was aged 40-49, while two were in the range of 50-59 years old.
Of the seniors, three were between the ages of 70-79, while the fourth was between 80-89 years of age.
Three of the deaths were in the Calgary zone, one was in the North zone, while Edmonton zone and Central zone each reported two.
Along with the deaths are increases in influenza cases, hospitalizations and ICU admissions.
Alberta added more than 1,100 cases bringing the provincial total to 6,288 so far this season. This week cases increased by 22 per cent compared to 42 per cent the week prior.
According to Alberta Health data, this season to date has the fourth-highest number of cases in 14 seasons.
Calgary zone has the highest number of influenza cases in the province with a total of 2,233 so far this season. Of those, 408 are new, making up 18 per cent of Calgary’s total cases.
The Edmonton zone has the second-highest number of cases in Alberta, with 1,990. Of those, 247 are new.
The Central zone has 655 cases, the North zone reported 1,094 cases, while the South zone has 309. Seven cases have not been assigned a zone.
This influenza season 1,124 Albertans have required hospital care surpassing last flu season's total. That is an increase of 306 admissions or a 37 per cent increase.
The Calgary zone has had the most patients requiring hospital care this season with 454, followed by the Edmonton zone’s 366.
Of the 306 new admissions between Nov. 27 to Dec. 3, 25 per cent are under the age of nine. Forty-eight per cent are aged 60 or older.
To date, 112 people have required intensive care, an increase of 32. The majority of ICU patients have been in the Calgary zone.
Majority (12) of the new ICU admissions are people between the ages of 50 and 69. Seven children aged four or younger have also been admitted.
There have been a total of 38 outbreaks in Alberta so far this season. Majority have been at supportive living and home living sites.
Over 1.06 million influenza vaccines have been administered since Oct. 17, translating to 24 per cent of Albertans being immunized. There are also 13,000 more people vaccinated compared to this time last year.
Sixty-two per cent of Albertans 65 years or older have been vaccinated for influenza while 17.6 per cent of children between six months and four years have their vaccine.
Alberta will update its data next Thursday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.