2 people die from H1N1 virus in Manitoba

Manitoba's Chief Public Health Officer says two people in the provincedied from the H1N1virus last month. Both were under the age of 65.

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It's not known where they were from, their sex or their exact age.Dr. Michael Routledge has confirmed it is the same strain that appeared during the pandemic seven years ago, butsaidit's important not to panic.

"This is a virus that we have had circulating for several years now and it's a virus we have had in our vaccine for several years now. So it's not the same when it first came on the scene.There is a perception that is a scary type of virus, but since it first showed up, we have had years to develop an underlying immunity in the population," said Routledge.

The virushasbeen part ofa vaccine for several years,there is a much higher level of immunity among Manitobans now than when it first appeared, he said.

Routledge doesn't know if the two people who died were vaccinated.

Last year, 45 people were reported to have died from H3N2, another influenza virus. So far this year, the twoH1N1are the only deaths.

H1N1 is still a virus that will turn up regularly, he said, addingit usually targets younger populations. Dr. Routledge saidit's a good reminder for people to get their flu vaccine every year, including younger peopleand children.