A patient from Timiskaming being treated at the Sudbury hospital has died from H1N1-related causes, confirmed the Sudbury regional hospital.
In a press release, the Timiskaming Health Unit revealed that the patient had the H1N1 virus, but was unable to confirm if the patient had underlying medical conditions that complicated the illness.
This is the second death related to the H1N1 in the Timiskaming health unit, though the first patient had underlying medical conditions.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends who have lost their loved ones. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time," said Dr. Pat Logan, acting medical officer of health for the Timiskaming health unit.
The H1N1 influenza virus is a fairly mild strain of the influenza virus, but can be a serious illness, especially in those with pre-existing medical conditions. Most deaths reported to date have been of patients with other medical conditions that worsened when H1N1 was contracted.
In Ontario, about 300 people die from seasonal flu-related causes each year. There have been 52 deaths this year from H1N1-related causes, as of Nov. 10.
