By KRWG News
New Mexico – New Mexico health officials are reporting three new swine flu deaths in the past week.
The latest victims are a 47-year-old female from Chaves County who had no known chronic health conditions, a 59-year-old male from San Juan County and a 63-year-old male whose county hasn't been determined. Both men had chronic health conditions that put them at higher risk.
There have been 12 deaths related to H1N1 influenza in New Mexico this year.
State health officials said Wednesday the definition of an influenza-related hospitalization was broadened this week to include any hospitalization with a positive lab test for influenza, which explains an increase in hospitalizations from 140 to 221.
However, the severity of illness due to H1N1 influenza has not changed nationally or in New Mexico since spring.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.