The Norman Transcript

November 19, 2009

NEW: 6 more die from swine flu complications


OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State health officials say six more Oklahomans have died from complications of the swine flu.

The Oklahoma State Health Department reported Thursday that the deaths included nine children under 19 years of age and five people who were 65 or older.

The deaths bring the total number of deaths associated with the H1N1 virus to 33 since Sept. 1, when the agency began its surveillance of the disease. Another death occurred in June.

Health officials say 23 people, or 70 percent, of those who died had a documented history of at least one underlying medical condition that may have increased their risk of influenza complications.

The complications include asthma, diabetes, obesity or compromised immune systems.

Oklahoma County has reported 10 deaths, the most in the state.