An elderly woman over the age of 65 has become the first person to die from the H1N1 flu in Quebec, according to the ministry of health.
Officials said they would not offer any more details on the woman's identity because of privacy concerns.
The woman was in hospital for three days. She also had a bacterial infection.
At a press conference Dr. Alain Poirier, director of Quebec Public Health, said it was a sad event, but added there's no need for the public to panic.
To help prevent the spread of the virus, people are encouraged to:
- wash hands often
- sneeze and cough into your elbow
- stay home if you feel sick
The number of confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Quebec stands at 542. Sixty-four people have been hospitalized.
Across Canada, four people have now died from the H1N1 flu.
