Three children dead in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario region after flu-related complications

Health officials in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario are reporting the deaths of three children due to complications from the flu during the first two weeks of December.

The children, aged between 5 and 9, passed away as a result of influenza-related issues. Medical officers of health for the regions issued a statement on Monday, calling the deaths a "stark reminder" of the potential severity of influenza, which can lead to serious illness requiring hospitalization.

Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, medical officer of health for Eastern Ontario, and Dr. Trevor Arnason, medical officer of health for Ottawa, noted a sharp increase in influenza A cases across Ontario. The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in Ottawa has also seen a higher-than-usual number of flu cases and related complications for this time of year.

While pediatric influenza cases occur annually, the issuance of a statement by regional medical officers of health regarding the deaths of three children within such a short timeframe is unusual.

Doctors are strongly encouraging people to get vaccinated against the flu, especially as the Ottawa hospital experiences a surge in cases. Infectious-disease physicians have been warning of a potentially aggressive flu season, citing concerns about lower vaccination rates and a possible mismatch between the vaccine and the dominant circulating strain.

According to national surveillance data, influenza activity is increasing rapidly. The most recent data, for the week ending December 6th, showed a positivity rate of 20.2% with 6,799 confirmed cases. The report indicated a quick rise in the percentage of positive influenza tests. Laboratory detections are primarily influenza A, with influenza A(H3N2) being the predominant subtype.

Of the volunteers participating in FluWatchers, a national program for gathering data on influenza activity, 3% reported experiencing cough and fever. Participating provinces and territories reported a total of 1,850 confirmed hospitalizations for respiratory problems, reflecting an overall weekly rate of 5.5 hospitalizations per 100,000 population.

The Surveillance Program for the Rapid Identification and Tracking of Infectious Diseases in Kids (SPRINT Kids), which monitors real-time trends in respiratory viruses among children seeking hospital care, also indicates increased influenza A activity. From November 30th to December 6th, 462 out of 950 children tested positive (49%). From December 7th to 13th, 145 out of 284 tested positive (51%).

Public health officials are urging everyone six months and older to receive the flu vaccine. They emphasize that vaccination is particularly important this season for children due to the increase in severe illness. Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to get vaccinated to help protect children.

It takes about two weeks for the influenza vaccine to reach full effectiveness, which is why officials are urging individuals to get vaccinated now before holiday gatherings. While the vaccine may not always prevent infection, it offers protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and complications.

In addition to vaccination, public health officials recommend frequent hand washing, avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands, staying home when sick, and avoiding visits to patients in hospitals or long-term care homes when ill.