New Brunswick saw an increase in COVID-19 and influenza deaths to start 2024, according to Public Health data.
The latest Respiratory Watch report showed there were 14 deaths — eight due to COVID and six due to influenza — between Dec. 31 and Jan. 6.
Almost all of the deaths involved people aged 65 and over, although one person between the ages of 45 and 64 died of influenza.
There were a total of 118 hospitalizations for both viruses, including eight admissions to an intensive care unit.
“Influenza activity remained elevated … COVID-19 activity remains moderate,” said the weekly report, released Tuesday.
COVID activity
Public Health reported 48 hospitalizations due to COVID during the seven-day period, including five ICU admissions.
- Age 0-4: Two hospitalizations, zero ICU admissions
- Age 5-19: Zero hospitalizations and ICU admissions
- Age 20-44: Three hospitalizations, one ICU admission
- Age 45-64: Seven hospitalizations, one ICU admission
- Age 65+: 36 hospitalizations, three ICU admissions
There were 142 confirmed cases of COVID and the test positivity rate remained stable at nine 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.
A total of 13 lab-confirmed outbreaks were declared, including six in nursing homes.
Influenza activity
Public Health reported 70 hospitalizations due to influenza during the same period, including three ICU admissions.
- Age 0-4: Three hospitalizations, zero ICU admissions
- Age 5-19: Zero hospitalizations and ICU admissions
- Age 20-44: Three hospitalizations, zero ICU admissions
- Age 45-64: 14 hospitalizations, one ICU admission
- Age 65+: 50 hospitalizations, two ICU admissions
There were 316 confirmed cases of influenza and the test positivity rate decreased to 21 per cent.
