Immunization Campaign Stepped Up In La Loche

Immunization Campaign Stepped Up In La Loche

Wednesday, November 01, 2006 at 15:06

A fatal case of flesh-eating disease in La Loche last month has resulted in the revamping of a northern immunization program.

A 51-year-old La Loche woman died from the disease a few weeks ago.

Health officials say the woman likely got the disease as a result of complications from pneumonia. But they say it’s highly unlikely it has spread — mainly because it was a strain that is less contagious than other forms.

Still, northern medical health officer Dr. James Irvine says the local health region has stepped up its campaign to immunize residents from respiratory illnesses, which continue to pop up.

Irvine says children under the age of 10 and adults aged 50 and over are eligible for the shots.