HARTFORD, Conn. -- A sixth Connecticut resident has died as a result of the H1N1 flu, Department of Health officials said Monday.

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

Officials said the person was above the age of 40 and had underlying health issues.

"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.

On June 24, the Department of Public Health reported that 824 Connecticut residents had confirmed cases of H1N1 and that 36 of those people had to be hospitalized.