# 3250
As fully expected, we continue to get scattered reports of deaths associated with the H1N1 `swine flu’ virus. This influenza, like all influenzas, is perfectly capable of killing its host.
The number of confirmed deaths across the country remains in the low double digits, although that may not include all H1N1 related deaths that have occurred.
As I outlined in Arizona & Utah Report Swine Flu Fatalities, there are gaps in our surveillance system, and not every `flu fatality’ is identified. In fact, only a small percentage of seasonal flu victims are ever officially listed as having succumbed to influenza.
Tonight we get word of New York City’s 2nd confirmed H1N1 related fatality, a woman in her 50’s who reportedly had `other health conditions’. Exactly what those might be wasn’t disclosed.
2d Swine Flu Death in New York City
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: May 24, 2009
NEW YORK (AP) -- A woman in her 50s is New York City's second confirmed death linked to swine flu.
A spokeswoman for the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene says the woman died over the weekend and had underlying health conditions.
Assistant public school principal Mitchell Wiener (WEE'-ner) became the city's first death from the virus a week ago.
