Baby in NYC Dies of Possible Swine Flu

AP

posted: 2 HOURS 2 MINUTES AGO

NEW YORK (May 19) -- The New York City Health Department is investigating the death of a toddler as a possible swine flu case.

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.

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Swine Flu Outbreak

Mary Altaffer, AP

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New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Farley, left, joins New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg at a City Hall News conference Monday about the swine flu outbreak.

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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 (WEE'-ner), 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.

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Tips for Containing Swine Flu

Alfredo Estrella, AFP / Getty Images

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The swine flu outbreak apparently started in Mexico and has spread around the world, sickening thousands of people. Here, people wearing masks as a precaution wait for relatives May 4 at the airport in Mexico City. Click through this gallery to read some tips on how to keep the virus from spreading.

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