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Public Safety

Swine Flu Kills 4-Year-Old In Santa Barbara County

A 4-year-old boy has died from swine flu in Santa Barbara County, one week after a 5-year-old died girl from the sickness in San Diego County.

The Santa Barbara County's Public Health Department said Tuesday the boy died Saturday. The department says the child's illness was complicated by an underlying medical condition involving his respiratory system.

San Diego County authorities announced last week that a 5-year-old girl from Otay Mesa died on Oct. 11, about two days after showing symptoms. Doctors say the girl did not have any underlying medical conditions but was much sicker than most patients when she arrived at the emergency room.

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The federal Centers for Disease Control says more than 80 children have died from swine flu in the United States.

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