The latest numbers from the Saskatchewan Health Authority show there were 81 new lab-confirmed cases of influenza in the province for the week ending January 5th. This brings the total number of lab-confirmed cases since September 1st to just shy of 2,000.

The 81 new cases was an increase from the previous week when there were 211 new cases.

The SHA is reporting southern Saskatchewan is currently at Level 3 of their Influenza-Like Illness Activity report. This means there are localized outbreaks in the regions.

There were no cases of influenza resulting in ICU admissions for the week, and no fatal cases of the illness. So far this year, influenza has been responsible for six deaths and 14 admissions to ICU in the province.

The hardest hit demographic in the past week was pre-school aged children.

The numbers from the Saskatchewan Health Authority are considered to be underestimates, as not all people seek medical care, or are tested for influenza.