Health officials in New Brunswick have confirmed the first influenza deaths of the season.

Public Health reported nine deaths from Dec. 10-30, including someone under the age of five.

The latest Respiratory Watch report shows 174 hospitalizations during that period, including 23 admissions to an intensive care unit.

Most of those admitted to the hospital were aged 65 and over, according to data from the province.

Eleven people under the age of 20 were hospitalized, including one person admitted to an ICU.

There were 1,143 influenza cases reported during the three weeks, accounting for three-quarters of all cases since the season began on Aug. 27.

The per cent positivity rate increased during the period, according to Public Health, ranging from 21 to 29 per cent.

Officials said 10 new influenza-like illness school outbreaks were reported during the period.

COVID activity ‘moderate’: Public Health

On the COVID front, there were 17 new deaths reported during the same period. That included 15 people aged 65 and over and two people aged 45-64.

There were also 174 hospital admissions and 11 ICU admissions, according to the provincial report.

“COVID-19 activity remains moderate; all indicators remained stable throughout the current reporting period,” said the report.

Public Health reported 516 new COVID cases and the test positivity rate remained stable at between 10 and 14 per cent.

However, the actual number of new cases is likely much higher as PCR tests are only available when requested by a primary care provider.