NYC probes death of toddler with flu symptoms

[May 19, 2009]  NEW YORK (AP) -- 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.

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.

[Associated Press]

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