Four more local H1N1 deaths

Four more people with H1N1 influenza have died in Hamilton and Halton, as new data shows the virus is causing unprecedented levels of illness in the area.

Three women, all in their 50s and all with underlying illnesses, died in Hamilton hospitals during the past week.

Another woman in her 70s, who also had a chronic illness, became the first person in Halton Region to die of the flu.

Four people with swine flu had previously died in Hamilton.

Meanwhile, new lab data show flu illness in the area, already double the level of any previous flu season on record, has continued to rise.

The proportion of positive H1N1 tests in the area -- considered a key measure for evaluating flu activity -- rose to 48 per cent last week, up from 38 per cent a week earlier.