HARTFORD, Conn. -- The Department of Public Health reported Tuesday that a fifth Connecticut resident has died from the H1N1 flu.

The New Britain resident was over the age of 50, health officials said, and had underlying health conditions.

Officials at the Hospital of Central Connecticut said the person was admitted on June 13 with a fever and respiratory symptoms. They said the person died June 23 of respiratory failure.

"We continue to monitor novel H1N1 influenza and ask Connecticut to take simple, everyday precautions: cover your cough every time, wash your hands often and well, check yourself for flu symptoms, and stay home and away from others if you are sick," Dr. Robert Galvin said. "These precautions, while simple, can help prevent the spread of the virus and save lives."

DPH officials said children under the age of 2, adults over the age of 65, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease are at a higher risk of suffering more severe cases of H1N1.

The department reported that 824 Connecticut residents have been diagnosed with H1N1, 36 of whom have required hospitalization.