Deadly Infection Hits Aboriginal Communities

A rare but deadly virus is targeting First Nations communities.
The Type A Haemophilus Influenzae is a sister of the Type B virus which took countless lives in the last century. A vaccine was established in the 1990’s.
Researchers at Lakehead University’s Nothern Ontario School of Medicine are gathering blood samples from those in affected communities in Northwestern Ontario and studying them for antibodies.
They are trying to understand why it’s affecting the communities before it gets out of control.
One possible explanation is that the population may not have the natural immunity to the bacteria.
The research group has applied for a 3 year grant to further their study. If approved, they hope to have a vaccine for public use at the end of the 3 years.