GOSHEN – The first two deaths of Orange County residents associated with swine flu were reported Wednesday by the county Health Department.

Orange County Health Commissioner Dr. Jean Hudson said a 32-year-old Newburgh woman died on June 23. She had been admitted to St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital since June 13, she said. Specimens were sent from the Medical Examiner’s Office and results were received in the past 24 hours.

A second woman, a 37-year-old also from the Newburgh area, died Wednesday from swine flu, Dr. Hudson said. That patient was being monitored in the hospital with swine flu.

The two women did not know one another, she said. “Our hearts and thoughts and prayers go out to the families of both of these young women,” Dr. Hudson said.

There is a significant amount of influenza-like illness in the northeast and most flu is now attributable to the swine flu virus, Dr. Hudson said. Most of the illness seen has been mild and treated as an out-patient, she said.

People should continue to pay close attention to hygiene practices such as hand washing, use of hand sanitizer, cough etiquette and staying home when ill remain important to avoid contracting and spreading the flu viruses, she said. Also, persons with underlying medical conditions like diabetes, asthma and pregnancy are at higher risk for complications.