NM sees higher swine flu deaths among Indians

Posted at: 12/01/2009 10:14 AM | Updated at: 12/01/2009 2:56 PM
By: SUE MAJOR HOLMES, Associated Press Writer

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Swine flu is killing American Indians in New Mexico at a higher rate than other ethnic groups.

A top state Department of Health official says chronic disease and the distance many Indians have to travel to medical care could be part of the reason.

Indians make up 10 percent of New Mexico's population, but 20 percent of the state's swine flu deaths.

Deputy state epidemiologist Mike Landen says it's not just a statistical fluke.

He says Indians have higher rates of diabetes in New Mexico.

He says they also have higher poverty rates, and throughout the West they tend to live farther away from medical care.

Landen says those factors may be possible explanations for the death rate.

New Mexico has reported 40 swine flu deaths, eight among Indians.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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