The Health Department of Northwest Michigan has confirmed a northern Michigan man has died from complications of H1N1.

They say this is the first person to die from H1N1 in their four county region of Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego counties. The health department is also investigating an unrelated death in the four-county service area which may have also been due to complications related to H1N1.

The Medical Director for the health department says while most cases of flu in Michigan and nationwide have been less severe, this demonstrates how serious it can be.

As of November 17, the last time statistics were updated, Michigan Department of Community Health reported 38 confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza related deaths in the state. Those victims ranged from 6 months to 73 years of age.