Public health officials in Ottawa and eastern Ontario say three children have died from complications linked to influenza over the past two weeks, underscoring growing concerns as flu activity rises sharply across the province.

Medical officers of health for Ottawa and the Eastern Ontario Health Unit say the children were between the ages of five and nine. Officials describe the recent deaths as rare but serious, noting that influenza can lead to severe illness, particularly among young children.

Health units report a rapid and significant increase in Influenza A activity across Ontario, with much of the traditional flu season still ahead. They are urging families to take precautions, including vaccination, as respiratory illness pressures continue to build in hospitals and clinics.

National surveillance data from the Public Health Agency of Canada shows 37 influenza-related deaths reported since August. The same report indicates 180 pediatric hospitalizations linked to influenza and 24 admissions to intensive care units during that period.

Public health officials are encouraging everyone aged six months and older to get vaccinated ahead of the holiday season, noting it takes about two weeks after vaccination for full protection to develop. For the week ending Dec. 6, influenza test positivity climbed to 20 per cent nationwide, up from 13 per cent the previous week.

The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario has also reported a sharp increase in pediatric flu cases, saying it recorded eight times more children testing positive for influenza in November compared with the same month last year.