The recent deaths of two area residents, one from Winona County and the other from Fillmore County, were caused by swine flu, Minnesota Department of Health officials reported Wednesday afternoon.

The Winona County resident in his or her 70s and the Fillmore County resident in his or her 20s each had underlying medical conditions, said John Stine, MDH assistant commissioner for health protection. Officials did not release the identities of the two.

The two local deaths are among three new deaths attributed statewide to swine flu, officials reported. All of the deaths likely occurred within the last three weeks, but officials could not provide specifics on when each person died.

Health officials say 15 people have died from swine flu and one from an unspecified flu-like illness since the H1N1 virus was first identified in Minnesota.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.