Swine flu probed in toddler death

NEW YORK - May 19, 2009- The 16-month-old boy died Monday night at Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens. Hospital officials said he had a high fever when he was brought in.

Health Department spokeswoman Jessica Scaperotti confirmed the investigation but said the agency does not discuss specific cases. It's not yet known how long the investigation will take.

On Sunday, a public school assistant principal, Mitchell Wiener, became the city's first swine flu death.

Hospital and city officials say complications besides the virus probably played a part in Wiener's death. But his family has said he suffered only from gout, a joint disease.

RELATED INFORMATION:

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RELATED LINKS:

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World Health Organization

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