NEW YORK (BNO NEWS) — New York Governor David Paterson signed an executive order on Wednesday, declaring a state of emergency to further combat the spread of swine flu, health officials said on Thursday.

“H1N1 flu is widespread and as a result we’ve had at least 75 known deaths,” said Claire Pospisil, a spokeswoman for the New York State Department of Health. Pospisil said the executive order also enables the state to increase the number of people who are allowed to administer vaccines, such as dentists.

Asked if people should be more worried because of the state of emergency for swine flu, Pospisil said, “no, I don’t think so. It helps us to be more prepared.”

At least 75 people in New York state have died from the virus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic. In the last week, three more adult deaths were associated with the H1N1 flu in the state (excluding New York City). Of the fatalities, two were between the age of 50 and 64. The third person was 65 years or over.

Pospisil said the virus continues to spread.