A Kitsap County man in his 50s died from the H1N1 virus Sunday, according to a Kitsap County Health District news release.

It was the first reported H1N1 death in the county. The health district has not released the man’s name or address.

“Our hearts go out to this man’s loved ones,” Health District Director Scott Lindquist said. “We’ve seen flu activity increase over the past few weeks, and this tragedy reminds us that influenza can be a very serious illness.”

Five Kitsap County residents were hospitalized with H1N1 between Sept. 19 and Oct. 19, according to the health district.

Kitsap County received its first shipment of 6,700 H1N1 vaccine last week. Another 2,600 doses are expected to arrive this week. The vaccine is being doled out to people in high risk groups, including health care workers.

Kitsap residents can check www.kitsapcountyhealth.com/H1N1/h1n1.htm or call them at (360) 337-5240 for updates about vaccine availability.