November 18th, 2009 by MWilhelm

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota health officials are reporting five new deaths from swine flu as the pandemic wanes.

The state Department of Health says 26 Minnesotans have died from confirmed swine flu cases since the virus appeared in the state, with another two deaths from unspecified flulike illnesses.

Nine schools reported outbreaks in the past week, compared with 40 schools the week before. Two nursing homes also had outbreaks.

State Health Commissioner Sanne Magnan (SAN’-ee MAG’-nan) told WCCO-AM the update is good news. She says the state is on the down side of the second wave of the virus.

Magnan says that leaves time to get people vaccinated in case a third wave comes. She says that’s likely after the first of the year.