The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has confirmed its first case of influenza B or the flu in Windsor-Essex.
Last year, there were six deaths attributed to the flu and 160 lab confirmed cases.
The first case last year was reported on October 21, 2016.
The health unit is asking people to protect themselves from the influenza virus by getting a flu shot.
Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed says the province is bracing for a challenging flu season.
He would only say this case was confirmed in a young child.
"Those are the ones who are at high risk of contracting influenza," says Dr. Ahmed.
"When you see one case that doesn't mean that that is the only case in the community," he says. "There are other cases which may not have symptoms severe enough to seek health care provider help."
There are over 90 local pharmacies in Windsor-Essex County that provide the flu shot along with doctor's offices.
--With files from AM800's Kathie McMann