By KRWG News
New Mexico – New Mexico Health Department officials say four more people have died from swine flu, bringing the statewide total this year to 40 deaths.
The latest deaths include a baby boy from Quay County and a 49-year-old man from Bernalillo County, both without chronic medical conditions.
A 54-year-old woman from Curry County and a 74-year-old woman from Valencia County who had chronic medical conditions also died this past week.
The state Health Department has found that American Indians are over-represented in deaths related to swine flu, also known as H1N1.
This ethnic group represents 10 percent of New Mexico's population, but accounts for 20 percent of the deaths.
The department will target vaccination efforts toward American Indians.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.