Flu related deaths are expected to rise if health care facilities are ignored in the remote regions. The leaders from Manitoba have asked the federal and provincial Governments to provide assistance in improving the condition before it's too late.

"You can't just be sitting there tracking the system saying 'OK, how many deaths have we had today?", said Grand Chief David Harper, head of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, which represents Manitoba's northern first nations. "There are still people coughing up blood. Something has to be done today".

He added that if the deaths are not controlled and prevented on time with better health facilities, flu related deaths are estimated to rise. Almost 20 people are being treated at the reserve.

Recently a man and a woman, both in their mid-30s lost their lives on November 25 after they were found to be infected with a strain of the flu called H3N2. Both resided on Garden Hill First Nation, in the Island Lake area of northeastern Manitoba, at the time.

Joel Kettner, Manitoba's chief public health officer said that he is still investigating the role of influenza in those deaths, as he is sure about the fact that both of them tested positive for the flu.

Health Minister Theresa Oswald said that unless and until proper health standards are maintained, including hygiene and cleanliness, the area is expected to suffer illness.