2 more Minnesotans die from H1N1 virus

Two more Minnesotans have died from the H1N1 virus, bringing the total number of deaths in the state to three, the Minnesota Department of Health reported this afternoon.

The latest deaths were an older individual and a child, both from the Twin Cities metro area. The adult had underlying medical problems and had been hospitalized; the child had an "extensive bacterial infection" in addition to being infected with the H1N1 virus, health officials said.

An earlier death, of a Twin Cities child with underlying medical problems, was reported June 15.

Health officials said the two additional deaths do not signal a change in the severity of the illness caused by the H1N1 virus.

"However, Minnesotans should assume that the virus is still circulating in the state, and they should be diligent about taking simple precautions to avoid getting or spreading the illness," the health department’s press release said.

Prevention recommendations are available on the health department’s website.