PARIS, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Twenty people in France are suspected to be infected with swine flu virus so far and are put under observation, French health authorities said Tuesday.
A total of 107 French people have reported symptoms of flu after returning from Mexico since April 25, and 30 of them were listed as possible swine flu cases after the first round of medical tests, Francoise Weber, head of French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (INVS), told a press conference here.
Ten people were ruled out of infection after further tests, and at present 20 others were still going through medical checkups. The suspected cases are currently put on isolation.
The health official expected more people to be going through tests for possible swine flu infections, with more French returning from Mexico, where nearly 160 people have died after contracting the virus.
In a statement published on its website Tuesday, the French Foreign Ministry strongly advised its nationals not to travel to Mexico because of the deadly flu epidemic that started there.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is now on a visit to Spain, on Tuesday called on French citizens to stay on alert, saying that the French government has been closely following the situation and would inform the public of all related developments.
BANGKOK, April 29 (Xinhua) -- A 42-year-old Thai woman returning from Mexico, who was earlier suspected to have infected with swine influenza and being quarantined at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok as the first suspected swine flu case in Thailand, is free of the deadly swine-flu strain, senior medical officials at Chulalongkorn Hospital announced Wednesday.
The Thai woman has been admitted to and quarantined at the hospital since Tuesday after having had a fever since April 25, Prof Dr. Yong Phooworawan, Head of the Center of Excellence in Clinical of Virology, Chulalongkorn Hospital, told a press conference Wednesday.
Two laboratory tests conducted on the woman for a possible swine-flu infection showed that she is free from the deadly swine flu, said Dr. Yong.
And, Dr. Yong said based on the laboratory tests: "she is found of having suffered from ordinary human flu."
The Thai woman reported to the hospital that she was in Mexico during April 3-11, and after that she traveled to California and stayed there until April 19, and returned to Thailand, according to the doctor.
In a related development, Thailand's national-level committee in charge of preventing the swine flu outbreak will meet on Wednesday afternoon to discuss precautionary measures to prevent the deadly flu outbreak in the country.
On Tuesday Thailand's weekly cabinet meeting resolved to set up this new committee and appointed Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kajornprasart as the chairman of the new panel.
The newly-set-up committee will also coordinate with international organizations including the World Health Organization (WTO) to tackle the swine flu outbreaks.
BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has invited health authorities in Taiwan to attend the 62nd World Health Assembly (WHA) as an observer, China's Health Ministry confirmed here Wednesday.
WHO Director-General Margaret Chan sent an invitation to the Taiwan health authorities, asking that they attend the assembly from May 18 to 27 as an observer, according to a statement from the ministry.
"Such an arrangement shows our goodwill to achieve practical benefits for Taiwan people and indicates our sincerity to promote peaceful development of cross-Straits relations," said Mao Qun'an, spokesman of the Health Ministry.
The spokesman said that the mainland and Taiwan had recently held talks and negotiations regarding Taiwan's participation in the WHA, but he did not provide any details.
Mao said the mainland had been always concerned about the well-being of the Taiwan people and their desire to take part in WHO activities.
He added that the mainland supported Taiwan medical experts' participation in international health technology exchanges and acquisition of information from the WHO.
He said the proper settlement of Taiwan's participation in the WHA would promote cross-Straits health exchanges and cooperation and increase mutual understanding for the peaceful development of the relationship between the two sides.
The WHA is the supreme decision-*** body for the WHO. It is held each year in May in Geneva, attended by delegates from all 193 members.
MEXICO CITY, April 28 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on Tuesday it would send experts to Mexico this week to investigate whether the new strain of A/H1N1 swine flu had a direct connection to pigs.
At present, "the transmission seems to be occurring solely from humans to humans and there has been no confirmed evidence so far that the new strain of H1N1 influenza virus was passed to humans directly form pigs." FAO said in a statement.
The team from FAO's crisis management centre - Animal Health (CMC-AH) would firstly verify whether the virus entered humans directly from pigs, said FAO's chief veterinary officer Joseph Domenech.
"There is no evidence of a threat to the food chain," he said.
According to Mexican health ministry, the flu outbreak has killed as many as 159 people in Mexico.
MEXICO CITY, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Citizens' participation is key in checking the spread of the A/H1N1 swine flu virus responsible for 159 deaths in Mexico, an academic epidemiologist told Xinhua on Tuesday.
"Steps can be taken to overcome the epidemic only when citizens follow the information and instructions given by the federal government and the Mexico City mayor's office," said Robna Galaz, who earned her doctorate at the National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico.
Five days after the health authorities declared an epidemic outbreak, the number of cases tops 2,000 with 70 percent of them yet to be confirmed as the new swine flu strain.
Galaz said that official instructions to wear face masks, wash hands frequently, avoid large gatherings, and consult a physician early if in doubt, would not only protect the individual but also the family, community and all society.
Face masks quickly became visible in public transport, malls, streets and offices. She also praised the Mexican army for its Plan DN-III, deployed to the streets to distribute the masks.
People believe the government is delivering trustworthy information that calms the population, said Galaz.
"Mexico can fight this new virus as soon as it has more information," she said. "It currently incubates from two to five days and there is enough time to attack it."
She added that the nationwide suspension of classes from nursery to university starting on Monday was a precautionary measure to allow the other places of the country to detect new cases or outbreaks.
CANBERRA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Australian federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon said on Wednesday Governor-General Quentin Bryce approved to pass the new quarantine powers for health officials in response to the global outbreak of swine flu.
"Using disinfectants on planes or at ports, through to the far more extreme (powers) which are *** sure that people are isolated and perhaps detained if they don't cooperate and are showing symptoms of this disease," Roxon told ABC Radio.
But Roxon has stressed they were only precautionary measures and won't necessarily be used.
"We are not about to take those steps but we want to make sure that all the powers are there, that we are ready to act if this takes a dramatic turn for the worst," Roxon said.
Thermal imaging equipment that shows the body's temperature will not yet be used at Australian airports, Roxon said.
"If we see the situation changing in other countries, if we find that the disease is being passed on in a more effective way or is being particularly virulent elsewhere we of course will reassess whether it is necessary," Roxon said.
Roxon has approached Bryce on Tuesday night to approve the powers, which include allowing authorities to detain people suspected of having the potentially deadly virus.
There have been 111 possible swine flu cases being investigated in Australia, including 22 locals who were on the same flight as three New Zealand students now confirmed as being infected.
The remaining 89 have been showing flu-like symptoms and were being tested and results are expected in the next 48 hours.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned on Sunday that an outbreak of swine flu in Mexico has spread to other countries.
Mexico's Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova said late Tuesday 2,498 suspected cases of swine flu have been reported, with 1,311 of the patients still in the hospital. The probable death toll from swine flu in Mexico rose to 159.
A customer walks in front of an empty shelf at a supermarket in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on April 29, 2009. Mexico's supermarkets on Tuesday urged consumers not to engage in panic buying in response to the swine flu that has killed over 150 in the country. (Xinhua/David de la paz) Photo Gallery
MEXICO CITY, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Mexico's supermarkets on Tuesday urged consumers not to engage in panic buying in response to the swine flu that has killed over 150 in the country.
The National Association of Self-Service and Department Stores, which represents the largest supermarkets in Mexico, issued a statement after citizens began bulk buying in supermarkets due to a circulating email warning that stores and gas stations may soon close.
Customers wait to pay for their shopping at a supermarket in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on April 29, 2009. Mexico's supermarkets on Tuesday urged consumers not to engage in panic buying in response to the swine flu that has killed over 150 in the country. (Xinhua/David de la paz) Photo Gallery
The supermarkets would continue operating during normal working hours, unless the government orders the contrary, said the 17,000-member association.
Financial analysts warned that panic purchases could trigger inflationary pressure.
Mexico City, the worst hit region, on Tuesday ordered the closure of bars, theaters, cinemas and dancehalls. It said that restaurants could only serve take-away food.
The federal government on Monday ordered all educational institutions from nurseries to universities be closed until May 6.It means that over 30 million of Mexico's 107 million citizens are at home.
SANTIAGO, April 28 (Xinhua) -- The Chilean government has taken preventive measures to deal with the swine flu outbreak in North America although the country has no confirmed cases yet, the authorities said on Tuesday.
President Michelle Bachelet requested all Chileans pay attention to the information about the symptoms of the epidemic and the instructions of the
"To the moment we have not confirmed any case, so we do not have cases of swine flu in our country," Chilean Health Minister Alvaro Erazo said on Tuesday.
Currently there are 18 suspected cases being tested. Erazo said that another three suspects had been proved negative earlier.
"The patients under analysis are isolated till we get the confirmation, according to the clinic guide we are using in the country," Erazo said.
Chile set a sanitary barrier on April 23 requiring all passengers coming from Mexico and the United States to be checked at the airport of Santiago by taking temperature and discarding high fever.
The swine flu is a sub-kind of the seasonal flu (H1N1), which mutated from pigs to humans.
The swine flu symptoms are similar to those of the common flu, but with high fever, coughing, headache, pain in muscles and joints, red eyes, running nose, as well as vomits and diarrhea.
The Chilean health ministry has set a plan in face of these kinds of emergencies since 2002 by building a national network of health centers.
Chile has reserves of antiviral medicines to be delivered to all the health services, with 36,000 treatments have already been made.
Chile has suggested its citizens to avoid traveling to the countries affected by the flu and to follow related official health instructions.
Chile also launched the National Commission of Answer to Outbreaks and Health Emergencies to handle any infection case in the country.
WELLINGTON, April 29 (Xinhua) -- A total of 179 people were in isolation around New Zealand as the number of cases of suspected swine flu continued to climb, said Health Ministry officials on Wednesday.
The officials said on Tuesday night there are at least three confirmed cases of swine flu in New Zealand: all from a Rangitoto College group who returned from Mexico early on Saturday.
They said results from three of the 11 samples of the students who tested positive to Influenza A on Sunday, have also tested positive for Swine Flu H1N1.
They assumed that all the 11 people in the group, who had tested positive for Influenza A, have Swine Flu.
On Wednesday morning, the Auckland Hospital lab has confirmed three more people with influenza A - which points to swine flu.
The government is expected to pass an order in Council on Wednesday adding swine flu to the list of notifiable diseases.
Meanwhile, a further two people showing flu-like symptoms were intercepted by officials at Auckland International Airport on Wednesday morning.
New Zealand became the sixth country in the world to have confirmed cases of the virus.
LISBON, April 28 (Xinhua) -- The Portuguese authorities on Tuesday denied the existence of any suspicious swine flu case in the country.
At a press conference, Portuguese Health Minister Ana Jorge denied the reports of alleged infections of two people hospitalized in Amadora-Sintra Hospital.
They have "normal flu," Jorge said, adding that currently there is no risk of swine flu in Portugal. The ministry will form a commission to track the disease and analyze the evolution of the swine flu every day.
Till now, more than 150 people have died in Mexico in an outbreak of the flu. Dozens of other cases have been confirmed worldwide.
The WHO raised its pandemic alert level on Monday from Phase 3 to Phase 4, which means the swine flu virus can cause sustained human-to-human transmission and "community-level outbreaks."
MADRID, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Spain's Health and Social Policy Minister Trinidad Jimenez confirmed on Tuesday the second case of swine flu infection in the country.
The patient is a 24-year-old male student from University of Valencia, who made a study trip to Mexico with another student from Almansa (Albacete), who was the first confirmed case of swine flu in Spain.
Health authorities said that both infected men are out of risk and are recovering at hospitals.
Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero called for calm in a message on Tuesday after the swine flu cases were detected in the country.
Rodriguez Zapatero said that the country has scientific and therapy means to give a positive response to the treatment of the disease.
Meanwhile, Europe, Middle East, Oceania and Eastern Asia have registered some 12 suspected cases of swine flu.
LOS ANGELES, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in Los Angeles were investigating on Tuesday two recent deaths that are possibly related to swine flu, and would be the first reported in the United States from the outbreak if confirmed.
A Los Angeles medical center reported the death of a 33-year-old man on Monday afternoon from symptoms resembling swine flu, according to the Los Angeles County coroner's office.
"It's that diagnosis that needs to be confirmed. An autopsy will be performed to establish the cause of death," said a spokesman of the office.
The man was taken to the hospital on Saturday, complaining of shortness of breath and lymphoma and was diagnosed with pneumonia, according to the spokesman.
The second case under investigation involves a 45-year-old man, whose death was reported on Monday to the coroner's office. The man died on April 22 of pneumonia in Norwalk near Los Angeles.
According to published reports, no fatalities related to swine flu have been so far reported in the United States.
There have been no swine flu cases reported in the Los Angeles area since the outbreak from Mexico brought the world into a panic over the weekend, but local health officials said an outbreak is inevitable.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles health officials on Tuesday were still determining whether a woman who became ill after returning from a trip to Mexico will be listed as the area's first confirmed case.
A total of 11 cases have been documented in California, but all of them were mild and the patients have recovered since. The other confirmed cased in the United States are in New York, Texas, Ohio and Kansas.
JERUSALEM, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency meeting Tuesday evening to evaluate preparations for the recent development regarding the looming threat of swine flu, following the confirmation of two cases of the virus.
ALERT LEVEL RAISED
Having been updated on the various future scenarios and forecasts, the Israeli government decided during the meeting to continue preparations on the basis of existing procedures in Israel and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, according to a statement released by Israel Government Press Office.
Israeli Health Ministry would examine existing stock of medicines in the country so as to be able to respond to future developments. Relevant officials would continually assess the situation and update the Israeli prime minister on a daily basis.
Earlier Tuesday, the health ministry raised the preparedness level for swine flu from Phase 3 to Phase 4. The change in preparedness levels did not involve any serious operative changes, since the ministry had contingencies for such a situation.
Meanwhile, signs were posted at Israeli Ben-Gurion International Airport, warning travelers arriving from Mexico to be on the alert for flu-like symptoms within a week of their return and to get medical help in that case.
"PANDEMIC" POTENTIAL
Israeli health authorities confirmed two cases of swine flu on Tuesday, signaling the spread of the virus from Mexico to the Middle East. The WHO has warned it has "pandemic" potential.
The 26-year-old man Tomer Vajim and a 47-year-old man, both of whom traveled back from Mexico, were diagnosed positive to the H1N2 virus after quarantine at hospital.
Israeli Health Ministry said Vajim was listed in a stable condition, but remained in hospital for observation, while the 47-year-old man is being kept in isolation while being treated.
Israeli health authorities fear that a third case of swine flu may have been discovered.
A 5-year-old niece of Tomer Vajim was undergoing tests to determine whether she had also contracted the virus, the website of Ha'aretz daily reported.
The hospital said the girl was in the children's ward and that she was in a good condition. She was admitted after suffering from a high temperature, sore throat and other flu-like symptoms.
A possible fourth victim is a 9-year-old boy who was on a flight from Newark of the United States, which landed in Israel two days ago carrying the second confirmed swine flu patient, said Ha'aretz.
The boy has been hospitalized in the children's hospital Dana in Tel Aviv after coming down with flu symptoms. Blood samples will be delivered to the WHO to determine whether he had contracted the virus.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
In a bid to prevent the virus from spreading, Israeli Health Ministry reported Saturday evening that all hospital managers, as well as district doctors, had been briefed on the signs of the new swine flu virus and on preparedness procedures.
The ministry also released a list of preventive measures to the public, including frequent hand-washing, particularly after coughing or sneezing, and a recommendation to anyone suspected of having contracted the virus and traveling for treatment not to take public transport.
Swine flu refers to influenza caused by any strain of the influenza virus that is endemic in pigs. Till now, more than 150 people have died in Mexico in an outbreak of the virus. Dozens of other cases have been confirmed worldwide.
The WHO on Monday raised its pandemic alert level from Phase 3 to Phase 4, which means the swine flu virus can cause sustained human-to-human transmission and "community-level outbreaks."
NEW YORK, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Officials from the New York City Department of Health on Tuesday are looking into whether students at a second Queens school may have swine flu virus.
In addition to health officials, education officials and police officers are also gathering at the P.S. 177 or the Robin Sue Ward School for Exceptional Children, on 188th Street in Fresh Meadows, not far from St. Francis Prep, where the first cases were reported after a class trip to Mexico, to make sure all children and school faculty do not carry the virus.
Eleven students at the special needs school were sent to the hospital on Monday after complaining of high fever. Three adults, including the school's assistant principal, were also sent home. The assistant principal tested negative for swine flu.
According to the school's guidance counselor, the child of one of the teachers at P.S. 177 is one of the students at St. Francis Prep, who was confirmed to have swine flu. Additionally, the sibling of another P.S. 177 student also has the bug.
ANKARA, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Turkey on Tuesday warned its citizens not to visit countries where swine flu cases have been reported, an official statement said.
The statement issued by the Turkish Health Ministry said that Turkish citizens are recommended to suspend their visits to the countries hit by swine flu.
It also urged citizens to practice hygienic precautions, including washing their hands frequently or wearing masks.
The statement said the World Health Organization has labeled the flu in phase 4, which meant that it poses risk of infection from one human being to another.
No case has been encountered in Turkey, the statement added.
The Turkish Health Ministry has taken necessary precautions against the flu in accordance with Turkey's own situation and WHO recommendations.
The ministry's general director of fundamental health services Seracettin Com said from Monday on, "travelers from Mexico and its neighbors, along with Spain, are starting to be screened at our airports that are open to international air traffic."
He said the health ministry has also warned its branches across the country about the responses they should give in emergency cases related to the infection.
SOFIA, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian Health Minister Evgeni Zhelev has said that Bulgaria has no capacity to identify swine flu if it spreads to the country, local press reported on Tuesday.
Zhelev said that no such tests have been developed because this has not been necessary so far.
He pointed out that any people suspected to have the virus will be quarantined and samples from patients will be sent to the World Health Organization (WHO), which will conduct the tests and send back the results.
There is enough anti-flu medicines stockpiled in Bulgaria to deal with a serious epidemic, Zhelev stressed, adding that all the hospitals and medical centers have been given strict instructions of what to do in the case of a possible swine flu outbreak.
"Local GPs will also be notified regarding the symptoms to lookout for and all hospitals in Bulgaria have been put on red alert," Zhelev said.
"At this stage, we have no reasons to speak about pandemic, the situation should not be dramatized and panic should not be spread," Zhelev said. He added that in Europe there are just a few cases of virus infections and seven patients who may have contracted the disease.
Meanwhile, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday advised Bulgarian citizens against traveling to Mexico unless they have urgent reasons to do so.
WASHINGTON, April 28 (Xinhua) -- The White House asked Congress to approve 1.5 billion U.S. dollars on Tuesday in a response to the fast spreading swine flu outbreak that has sickened over 60 in the United States.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told a press conference that President Barack Obama raised the request to Congress in a letter "out of an abundance of caution" in order to "enhance our nation's capability to respond to the potential spread of this outbreak."
Obama said in the letter that the funds could be used to build up antiviral stockpiles, develop a vaccine, support the U.S. public health response to the outbreak and help international organizations stem its spread.
It could also go to supplementing the international response to the outbreak, with cases detected as far a field as Europe, Israel, and New Zealand, he added.
The United States has geared up its response after the swine flu outbreak beginning in Mexico more than two weeks ago spread to several American states including Texas, California and New York and has left at least 65 sick.
The U.S. government has declared a Public Health Emergency as a precautionary tool to ensure that it has the necessary resources to respond quickly and effectively.
The entrances to the offices of Ernst Young is seen in New York April 28, 2009. Another New York City case of swine flu has been confirmed, striking an employee at the accounting firm of Ernst Young who worked at the company's Times Squares headquarters, a spokesman said on Tuesday. But the company issued a statement on Tuesday saying it could no longer confirm it was a verified case, although it said "out of an abundance of caution we have taken appropriate steps to protect the health of our employees." (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery
WASHINGTON, April 28 (Xinhua) -- The number of confirmed human swine flu cases in the United States has risen to 64, with at least five patients having been hospitalized, a health official said Tuesday.
"I fully expect we will see deaths from this infection," as swine flu cases are investigated, said Richard Besser, acting director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta (CDC).
According to Besser, the hospitalizations include three in California and two in Texas. Their ages range from seven to 54.
However, the CDC reported no new infection sites beyond five states already afflicted. Besser said there are 45 confirmed cases in New York city, 10 in California, six in Texas, two in Kansas and one in Ohio. However, at least four other cases have been reported by states.
"We are in a pre-pandemic period," the official said, adding that the CDC is stepping up laboratory cultivation of the swine flu virus for an eventual vaccine.
Three more die of swine flu in Mexico City, authorities say measures working
MEXICO CITY, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Three more people died in the last 24 hours of swine flu, Mexico City officials told a Tuesday press conference, adding that local authorities had ordered the closure of more public places.
The total number of deaths in the city believed to be related to swine flu is now 25, while 89 people are in hospital with swine-flu symptoms, said Armando Ahued Ortega, head of the city's health department. He said that 31 people had been hospitalized on Monday while 14 had been discharged from hospital. Full story
U.S. authorities consider changing name of "swine flu"
WASHINGTON, April 28 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. authorities said on Tuesday that they were considering changing the name of "swine flu" to remove misunderstanding by pork importers from the country.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told reporters that the United States is concerned not only about safety but also its impact on the economy. Full story
White House asks for $1.5 bln for fighting swine flu
WASHINGTON, April 28 (Xinhua) -- The White House asked Congress to approve 1.5 billion U.S. dollars on Tuesday in a response to the fast spreading swine flu outbreak that has sickened over 60 in the United States.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told a press conference that President Barack Obama raised the request to Congress in a letter "out of an abundance of caution" in order to "enhance our nation's capability to respond to the potential spread of this outbreak." Full story
Chinese President Hu calls for stepped-up efforts to prevent swine flu
BEIJING, April 28 (Xinhua) -- China went on full alert Tuesday to guard against swine flu, as authorities ordered round-the-clock monitoring of the deadly virus and suspension of pork imports from Mexico and the United States.
Chinese President Hu Jintao Tuesday ordered the country to step up inspection and quarantine measures to prevent swine flu from entering China and ensure public health and safety. Full story
Health minister: "Probable" swine flu death toll reaches 152 in Mexico
MEXICO CITY, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Mexican Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova Villalobos said late Monday that "probable" deaths toll from swine flu rose to 152 in the country. Full story
U.S. swine flu cases rise to 40, drug stockpile released
WASHINGTON, April 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. health officials said Monday that there are now up to 40 cases of swine flu in five U.S. States and they had released 25 percent of a federal drugs stockpile to states fighting swine flu.
Briefing reporters at a news conference in Atlanta on Monday, Richard Besser, acting director of the CDC, said 20 new cases were confirmed due entirely to further testing in New York at a school in Queens, bringing the New York total to 28. Full story
WHO raises pandemic alert level from Phase 3 to Phase 4
GENEVA, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Amid the rapid spread of swine flu in some countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday raised its pandemic alert level from Phase 3 to Phase 4, warning of a significant increase in the risk of a pandemic.
Following the advice and guidance of an emergency committee, WHO Director-general Margaret Chan decided to raise the alert level from the current Phase 3 to Phase 4, a WHO official told the media on a teleconference. Full story
Swine flu has become "most serious concerns" of international community, UN chief says
UNITED NATIONS, April 27 (Xinhua) -- The unique strain of swine influenza suspected of killing nearly 150 people in Mexico and spreading rapidly to other countries is of "the most serious concern" to the international community, including the United Nations, UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki moon told reporters here on Monday.
"We are concerned that this virus could cause a new influenza pandemic," he said in a statement read to the press here. "It could be mild, in its effects, or potentially severe." Full story
Report: ROK confirms first swine flu case
SEOUL, April 28 (Xinhua) -- The Republic of Korea (ROK) confirmed on Tuesday the first case of human infection of swine influenza, the Yonhap news agency reported. Full story
China's Health Ministry on high alert for swine flu
BEIJING, April 27 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Health (MOH) is developing a diagnostic reagent for use in testing for swine flu, which has killed more than 100 people in Mexico, an MOH spokesman said Monday.
Research on a possible vaccine and medication to combat the deadly virus was also underway, MOH spokesman Mao Qun'an told Xinhua. Full story
NEW YORK, April 28 (Xinhua) -- One adult and one child have been hospitalized in New York and the city's confirmed swine flu cases could be much higher than the 45 as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Tuesday.
Both hospitalized patients, a two-year-old Bronx boy and a woman in Brooklyn with suspected swine flu, are now recovering, the mayor said.
So far, all the confirmed cases are from St. Francis Preparatory School in Fresh Meadows, Queens, though authorities are probing P.S. 177, a public school not far away from St. Francis, and Ascension School in Manhattan for possible cases.
Bloomberg warned that the number of confirmed cases in St. Francis Preparatory School could go much higher if all the more than 100 students with flu-like symptoms were tested.
"We can get a lot more by just testing everybody at St. Francis," the mayor told a press conference. "You'll be shocked if out of the other 100 plus students who have a cough and a fever don't have it."
So far, the majority of the cases are all very mild and need no hospitalization.
Bloomberg said authorities have decided to stop testing each and every one of them because "it does not add any new information."
"If they are very sick, we'll test every case in the city," he said. "If they are just mild, we're just going to focus on other things."
Bloomberg said there are five new probable cases in New York City, with two unrelated to the St. Francis private school.
Eleven students at P.S. 177, a special needs school that is also known as the Robin Sue Ward School for Exceptional Children, were sent to hospital Monday after complaining of high fever. Three adults, including the school's assistant principal, were also sent home.
The assistant principal tested negative for swine flu.
According to the school's guidance counselor, the child of one of the teachers at P.S. 177 is one of the students at St. Francis Preparatory School who is confirmed to have swine flu.
Aside from St. Francis, which remained closed Tuesday, and P.S.177, where students were sent home with a letter saying the school would be closed on Wednesday, most of the city's schools remained open.
In flyers taken home by students, the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene urged parents to be "alert but calm."
There were no evident signs of panic in New York, though some of the city's drug stores have run out of face masks and hand sanitizers, as was the case at a Rite Aid on Northern Boulevard at85th Street in Queens.
Monica Granja, the 27-year-old manager, said the items had been bought up as early as Monday morning.
"I just hope it doesn't get close to us," said Granja, who has a 7-year-old son.
At a CVS drugstore several blocks away, customers are asked to check back Thursday evening or Friday morning.
On the chain's website, CVS.com, all face masks are listed as "out of stock" Tuesday afternoon, even the one with a warning that "it does not eliminate the risk of contracting any disease or infection," which was available the night before.
In Atlanta, CDC acting director Richard Besser said the total of confirmed swine flu cases has risen to 64, with at least five having been hospitalized -- three in California and two in Texas.
"I fully expect we will see deaths from this infection," Besser said.
In addition to the 45 in New York, the other confirmed cases are 10 in California, six in Texas, two in Kansas and one in Ohio.
"We are in a pre-pandemic period," Besser said.
In neighboring Mexico, the epicenter of the current outbreak, swine flu was believed to have killed 149 people and hospitalized 776 others. Another 1,070 people were treated for the flu, but were well enough to go home.
OTTAWA, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Canada reported seven more confirmed cases of swine flu on Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 13.
All the new cases are mild ones, with four in Ontario, one in British Columbia and two in Alberta, health officials said.
All the Ontario cases were found in the Toronto area and have been linked to Mexican travel, David Williams, the province's acting chief medical officer of health told a news conference in Toronto.
The illnesses so far appear to be mild and "it's like flu season continuing," he said.
Earlier in the day, health authorities in Alberta confirmed two mild cases in the province, one in Calgary and the other in the northern part of the province.
British Columbia, which already has two cases, confirmed one new case Tuesday afternoon.
Canada's chief public officer of health David Butler-Jones said that although all the cases are mild ones so far, more severe cases may appear and may result in deaths.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is advising against all non-essential travel to Mexico.
WASHINGTON, April 28 (Xinhua) -- The United States on Tuesday insisted its food supply is safe and pork meat does not transmit the swine influenza virus.
"The American food supply is safe," U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and the head of the Department of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, said in a statement.
"USTR and USDA are working closely with the Departments of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor the situation carefully," they said.
In their statement, Kirk and Vilsack cited references from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC statements that there was no evidence of swine flu being transmitted by meat.
"Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products," the statements said. "Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe."
Stressing potential concerns about the safety of U.S. pork and pork products, Vilsack stated that "while there is no evidence at this time that swine has been infected with this virus, the science is clear that consuming or handling pork, consistent with safe handling practices, is of no risk to consumers."
Kirk, the top U.S. trade negotiator, urged all trading partners to base any food safety measures taken to protect their populations on scientific evidence and in accordance with their international obligations.
"Restrictions on U.S. pork or pork products or any meat products from the United States resulting from the recent outbreak do not appear to be based on scientific evidence and may result in serious trade disruptions without cause," Kirk said.
The swine flu outbreak began in Mexico and has spread globally. The latest CDC data showed that there were 65 confirmed cases of human swine flu infection in the United States, none of them fatal.
In response to the outbreak, the WHO raised the worldwide pandemic alert level late Monday to Phase 4, signaling an increased likelihood of a pandemic.
MEXICO CITY, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Three more people died in the last 24 hours of swine flu, Mexico City officials told a Tuesday press conference, adding that local authorities had ordered the closure of more public places.
The total number of deaths in the city believed to be related to swine flu is now 25, while 89 people are in hospital with swine-flu symptoms, said Armando Ahued Ortega, head of the city's health department. He said that 31 people had been hospitalized on Monday while 14 had been discharged from hospital.
Passengers wear protective masks as they ride Mexico's city subway April 28, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery
"If we follow this path, we will be able to halt new infections and reduce deaths and save those who have been infected with this new virus," said Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon at the same press conference.
He said that Mexico City now has 320 people believed to have been infected with swine flu, down from 326 on Monday and 351 on Sunday. Five people died on Sunday, compared with three on Monday.
The city has been giving out face masks on public transport, closing public parks and entertainment centers, and urging citizens with symptoms of the flu -- a sharp increase in body temperature, headaches, muscular pains and breathing problems -- to visit their nearest medical center as soon as possible. Those who died had mostly sought medical help only when the disease was well entrenched.
Workers wearing protective masks wait for a bakery to open in Mexico City April 28, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery
"The medicine available for treating patients is highly effective during the first 72 hours of infection," said the mayor, adding that city policies and the collaboration of residents had checked wider contagion.
City medical centers provided care and advice to more than 12,000 people who claimed to have flu symptoms on Monday, around half of whom had some symptoms but the vast majority did not have swine flu.
A passenger takes off his surgical mask as he leaves the terminal after coming off of a flight from Mexico City at London's Heathrow Airport in west London April 28, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery
The city has ordered all restaurants, bars, cabarets, dance halls, pool halls, cinemas, theaters, gymnasiums and swimming pools be closed. The mayor also announced a 150-million-peso fund which will be used to help families, workers and businesses that have suffered in the outbreak.
In the nation as a whole, swine flu was believed to have killed 149 people and hospitalized 776 others, according to central government statistics. Another 1,070 people were treated for the flu, but were well enough to go home.
Chinese president sends consolatory message to Mexican leader over swine flu threat
BEIJING, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a consolatory message Tuesday to his Mexican counterpart Felipe Calderon after a swine flu outbreak has killed 152 people in the country.
In the message, Hu expressed sincere consolation to Calderon, the Mexican government and the people on behalf of the Chinese government, the Chinese people, as well as in his own name. Full story
Three more die of swine flu in Mexico City, authorities say measures working
MEXICO CITY, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Three more people died in the last 24 hours of swine flu, Mexico City officials told a Tuesday press conference, adding that local authorities had ordered the closure of more public places.
The total number of deaths in the city believed to be related to swine flu is now 25, while 89 people are in hospital with swine-flu symptoms, said Armando Ahued Ortega, head of the city's health department. He said that 31 people had been hospitalized on Monday while 14 had been discharged from hospital. Full story
U.S. confirmed swine flu cases rise to 64, 5 hospitalized
WASHINGTON, April 28 (Xinhua) -- The number of confirmed human swine flu cases in the United States has risen to 64, with at least five patients having been hospitalized, a health official said Tuesday.
"I fully expect we will see deaths from this infection," as swine flu cases are investigated, said Richard Besser, acting director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta (CDC). Full story
White House asks for $1.5 bln for fighting swine flu
WASHINGTON, April 28 (Xinhua) -- The White House asked Congress to approve 1.5 billion U.S. dollars on Tuesday in a response to the fast spreading swine flu outbreak that has sickened over 60 in the United States.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told a press conference that President Barack Obama raised the request to Congress in a letter "out of an abundance of caution" in order to "enhance our nation's capability to respond to the potential spread of this outbreak." Full story
Chinese President Hu calls for stepped-up efforts to prevent swine flu
BEIJING, April 28 (Xinhua) -- China went on full alert Tuesday to guard against swine flu, as authorities ordered round-the-clock monitoring of the deadly virus and suspension of pork imports from Mexico and the United States.
Chinese President Hu Jintao Tuesday ordered the country to step up inspection and quarantine measures to prevent swine flu from entering China and ensure public health and safety. Full story
Health minister: "Probable" swine flu death toll reaches 152 in Mexico
MEXICO CITY, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Mexican Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova Villalobos said late Monday that "probable" deaths toll from swine flu rose to 152 in the country. Full story
U.S. swine flu cases rise to 40, drug stockpile released
WASHINGTON, April 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. health officials said Monday that there are now up to 40 cases of swine flu in five U.S. States and they had released 25 percent of a federal drugs stockpile to states fighting swine flu.
Briefing reporters at a news conference in Atlanta on Monday, Richard Besser, acting director of the CDC, said 20 new cases were confirmed due entirely to further testing in New York at a school in Queens, bringing the New York total to 28. Full story
WHO raises pandemic alert level from Phase 3 to Phase 4
GENEVA, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Amid the rapid spread of swine flu in some countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday raised its pandemic alert level from Phase 3 to Phase 4, warning of a significant increase in the risk of a pandemic.
Following the advice and guidance of an emergency committee, WHO Director-general Margaret Chan decided to raise the alert level from the current Phase 3 to Phase 4, a WHO official told the media on a teleconference. Full story
Swine flu has become "most serious concerns" of international community, UN chief says
UNITED NATIONS, April 27 (Xinhua) -- The unique strain of swine influenza suspected of killing nearly 150 people in Mexico and spreading rapidly to other countries is of "the most serious concern" to the international community, including the United Nations, UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki moon told reporters here on Monday.
"We are concerned that this virus could cause a new influenza pandemic," he said in a statement read to the press here. "It could be mild, in its effects, or potentially severe." Full story
Report: ROK confirms first swine flu case
SEOUL, April 28 (Xinhua) -- The Republic of Korea (ROK) confirmed on Tuesday the first case of human infection of swine influenza, the Yonhap news agency reported. Full story
China's Health Ministry on high alert for swine flu
BEIJING, April 27 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Health (MOH) is developing a diagnostic reagent for use in testing for swine flu, which has killed more than 100 people in Mexico, an MOH spokesman said Monday.
Research on a possible vaccine and medication to combat the deadly virus was also underway, MOH spokesman Mao Qun'an told Xinhua. Full story
ROME, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Italy is ready to tackle possible outbreak of swine flu in the country, Italian Welfare Minister Maurizio Sacconi said on Tuesday.
"The situation is under control in regard to any evolution. Italy is well prepared also because of its high standard of hygiene, which is a fundamental requisite to block the spread of the virus," Sacconi said.
There have been no confirmed cases of the disease in Italy. The only possible suspected case, proved negative in initial tests, is expected to be confirmed on Tuesday by Padua University, which hosts the top-level center for diseases prevention and control in the country.
The flu has killed 152 people in Mexico and has spread to other countries. There are 51 confirmed cases in the United States and six cases in Canada.
Spain reported on Monday the first confirmed case in Europe and other 26 suspected cases. Two cases were later confirmed in Scotland.
So far, there are five suspected cases in Sweden, three in Germany, four in France and one in Norway.
KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia is expected to take quarantine action similar to that conducted in 2003 against the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) as a move to increase health surveillance due to the swine flu outbreak, according to Malaysia Airlines (MAS) here on Tuesday.
The Malaysian Health Ministry will be screening passengers arriving from Los Angeles and New York of the United States for any obvious symptoms of the virus, the Malaysian national carrier said.
"Quarantine action will be done if necessary, similar to the procedure adopted during SARS scare in 2003, " said MAS operation director Tajuden Abu Bakar in a statement released here.
Malaysia Airlines will assist in expediting the process as this exercise will invariably cause some inconvenience, especially for passengers with connecting flights, Tajuden said.
Tajuden also said that currently MAS had not seen a drop in travel demand and it was still operating as normal.
Meanwhile, Tajuden said that MAS allowed its passengers already booked for travel to Los Angeles or New York to make changes to their flights at no charge from now until the end of May 2009.
VIENNA, April 28 (Xinhua) -- A 28-year-old woman, back from her Mexico vacation on April 17, was under treatment in the hospital of Steyr in Austrian state Upper Austria with flu symptoms, the initial test being negative, reported Austrian Broadcast Station ORF on Tuesday.
According to ORF, the biggest hospital operator in Upper Austria GESPAG has confirmed the case, saying that the woman is now in quarantine, but a quick test showed negative. A thorough text will be carried out by the Institute of Virology in Vienna, and the result will be available no later than Wednesday morning.
Austrian Health Minister Alois Stoeger noted on Tuesday that Austria was "fully prepared", and "clear instructions" have already been adopted in doctors and hospitals.
Austria followed the example set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and increased the warning level from three to four, which means that "the crisis has been convoked," said a spokesman of the Ministry of Health.
SINGAPORE, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Singapore schools will conduct temperature checks on their students as a precautionary measure against the swine flu threat, local media reported on Tuesday.
According to local radio 938live, Singapore's Ministry of Education said that it's stepping up school readiness through the exercise.
The ministry has advised all schools here to be vigilant and monitor the well-being of their staff and students. Procedures have been taken to help prevent the spread of diseases include handing out guidelines on good personal hygiene practices, keeping school premises clean and temperature taking.
There are currently no known cases of human swine flu in Singapore.
WARSAW, April 28 (Xinhua) -- No case of swine flu has been reported in Poland, Health Minister Ewa Kopacz said Tuesday.
A woman hospitalized in Zielona Gora in western Poland after returning from Mexico early this month with flu symptoms has not been infected with the H1N1 virus, Kopacz was quoted by Polish news agency PAP as saying.
Swine flu has killed 149 people in Mexico. The first confirmed case of the disease in Europe was reported in Spain on Monday.
Swine flu is a respiratory disease that infects pigs and does not normally infect humans. But sporadic cases have happened, usually among people who had close contact with pigs.
On Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised its global alert level from Phase 3 to Phase 4, signaling the swine flu virus was spreading from human to human in community outbreaks, but it did not declare a full-blown pandemic.
SHANGHAI, April 30 (Xinhua) -- No flu-like infections were found among passengers and crew members on flight AM098, which was the first direct flight from swine flu-hit Mexico to China's mainland, after the epidemic broke out last week, according to the quarantine staff at an airport in Shanghai Thursday.
Passengers of AeroMexico flight AM098 receive quarantine checks up on their arrival at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport in east China's Shanghai municipality, April 30, 2009. It's the first flight from Mexico to China since the spread of swine flu, and serious quarantine measures were taken at the airport. (Xinhua/Pei Xin) Photo Gallery
The Mexico Airlines flight was ordered to park away from the parking apron, after it landed at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 6 a.m. Thursday.
Chinese medical workers boarded the plane to take the temperature of every one on board. The 202 passengers were then allowed to get off and enter the airport through a private channel.
No flu symptoms were found, according the medical staff, who explained that anyone whose temperature exceeds 37.5 degree Celsius will be sent to the Shanghai Public Health Center for further examination.
"All of us had our passports and identification cards registered after we entered the airport," said Wang Zhongying, one of the fight passengers.
She said most of the passengers on board were Chinese.
"Mexico airport also made strict disease control measures. Every one was wearing a mask," said a woman who made a short stay in the swine flu-ravaged country, where 159 people have died of the disease.
She said she did not have contact with flu patients in Mexico.
The Pudong airport quarantine staff disinfected the plane after passengers disembarked.
Shanghai is the only city in China's mainland that has a direct air route to and from Mexico. The Pudong airport has taken strict quarantine measures on all flights from North America Region.
The Shanghai tourist department said on Wednesday that there were 440 Shanghai tourists still in Mexico and America. They have been urged to wear masks and contact Chinese embassies if they develop flu symptoms.
China on Wednesday urged local governments to be on full alert, warning that the country will be more vulnerable to swine flu during the upcoming May holiday travel boom.
Passengers of AeroMexico flight AM098 receive quarantine checks up on their arrival at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport in east China's Shanghai municipality, April 30, 2009. It's the first flight from Mexico to China since the spread of swine flu, and serious quarantine measures were taken at the airport. (Xinhua/Pei Xin) Photo Gallery
BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai has adopted emergency measures similar to those used in the 2003 SARS outbreak to guard against the possible arrival of swine flu and to protect residents if the virus does hit the city, according to Thursday's Shanghai Daily.
The emergency plan covers monitoring, prevention, epidemic research, assessment of people in close contact with victims, disinfection and laboratory testing.
Under the plan, 136 hospitals and medical facilities city-wide will check all patients with fevers visiting out-patient departments and ask about their recent contacts.
Patients with temperatures exceeding 38.5 degrees Celsius will be treated at special departments. Anyone with flu-like symptoms must be isolated immediately. Experts from higher-level disease prevention and control centers will be asked to examine suspicious cases.
Anyone suspected or confirmed to be suffering from swine flu will be taken by ambulance to the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center or the Children's Hospital of Fudan University for isolation and treatment.
"We have set up three groups to monitor and streamline the prevention and control of swine flu, and all hospital leaders and experts are on standby day and night," Wang Yi, vice president of Fudan's Children's Hospital, was quoted by the local news*** as saying.
"Swine flu training for doctors and nurses has been carried out. Medicine, masks and medical equipment are ready."
Meanwhile, other authorities are trying to keep the flu from getting into the city in the first place. Special surveillance measures have been implemented at the Pudong International Airport to check passengers coming in from areas reporting cases of swine flu, especially Mexico, the country hardest hit by the disease.
Any passenger whose temperature is higher than 37.5 degrees Celsius will be sent to a hospital from the parking apron, while all others will proceed through customs.
Travelers from the United States will walk through a special passage where thermal scanners will check their temperatures. The list of suspect passengers may be expanded soon to other countries where swine flu has been reported.
The swine flu scare has caused some tourists to cancel trips to the United States and Europe, local travel agencies said. Shanghai CYTS Tours said several clients asked to break their trip contracts and would not have to pay a penalty.
Shanghai International Travel Service Co., Ltd. said it will consider postponing or canceling U.S. tour groups if the flu situation worsens.
BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Wednesday that the government would provide Mexico with relief aid worth 5 million U.S. dollars to help the nation deal with swine flu.
One million U.S dollars would be offered in cash and 4 million in relief materials, including masks, gloves, isolation coats, disinfection equipment and infrared thermometers.
MOC spokesman Yao Jian said the Chinese government was highly concerned about the situation and nations should work together to counter swine flu.
More than 20 countries, such as the United States, Canada and Spain, have reported cases or suspected cases of swine flu.
No human cases had been found in China, nor had the virus been found in the country's pigs, China's Ministry of Health said Wednesday.
The virus is suspected of causing the deaths of 159 people in Mexico, the Mexican Health Ministry said late Tuesday.
HONG KONG, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Surveillance at boundary control points will be enhanced from May 1 to guard against swine influenza, Under Secretary for Food and Health of Hong Kong Gabriel Leung said here Wednesday.
Speaking at a press briefing Wednesday afternoon, Leung said all in-bound passengers at the Hong Kong International Airport will be required to complete health declaration forms while help stations will be set up to provide assistance to in-bound land travelers.
People who do not pass the temperature screening must go to the help stations for further checks and will be taken to hospitals for tests, if necessary.
Leung said the government will launch a clean-Hong Kong campaign. The Food and Environmental Hygiene, Home Affairs and Housing Departments have stepped up cleansing works at their facilities.
Meanwhile, the government will monitor developments and maintain a close liaison with the World Health Organization to see if the body will raise its alert level.
The under secretary said if Hong Kong has a confirmed case, the government will proactively consider raising its alert level from "serious" to "emergency". If this happens, the chief executive will chair a steering committee to stem the virus' spread.
Hong Kong Center for Health Protection Controller Thomas Tsang said no new patients needed to go to hospitals for swine flu tests. Among the seven patients being tested, five have been confirmed to be free of the virus while results for the remaining two are pending.
BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Public Security on Wednesday launched a national DNA databank to track and trace parents and children who are the victims of abduction.
A ministry official said DNA tests would be conducted on five groups:
-- parents whose children are confirmed kidnapped;
-- parents whose children are lost and who have demanded a DNA test;
-- abducted children who have been rescued;
-- children who are suspected of being abducted or cannot give their homes;
-- and homeless or beggar children who cannot give their homes.
The ministry has ordered all police units to record and investigate immediately reports of child abduction, and to take blood from the parents or children where possible. The tests will be done free of charge.
A DNA test is regarded as one of the best ways to identify abducted children, according to the ministry.
Early this month, the ministry launched its sixth nationwide campaign to deal with the rampant smuggling of women and children.
The ministry on Wednesday also issued a wanted list of 10 major suspects involved in abduction of women and children in China.
The list included descriptions of the six men and four women suspects and made public their identity card numbers and other personal information.
At least four of the suspects belong to China's ethnic minorities, such as the Miao, the Li, and the Dai nationalities, which usually dwell in the outlying areas of the country.
People who provide information leading the police to the arrest of the suspects would receive a reward, although the ministry gave no details on this.
The ministry would issue a number of similar wanted lists of abduction suspects this year, it said.
About 3,000 child and women abduction cases are recorded and investigated by Chinese authorities annually, but some experts estimate that 10,000 to 20,000 Chinese women or children fall into the hands of kidnappers each year.
BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese health authorities have detected no cases of swine flu among people arriving in the country by 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Tourism Administration (NTA).
Members of both foreign and Chinese tourist groups coming from swine flu affected countries had been monitored, said a statement on the NTA website.
The NTA urged all tourist departments to take effective prevention measures and closely monitor tourists so as to avoid swine flu coming to China.
Travel agencies should keep track of their clients and their health conditions, the administration said.
The government would also strengthen cooperation with tourism authorities in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, keeping the public informed of the outbreak and its effect on international travel.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Wednesday ordered strict sanitization of flights from countries and regions affected by swine flu. Remains of food, waste and human excrement must be subject to special treatment.
China banned group visits to Mexico via travel agencies on Tuesday and advised Chinese citizens to suspend travel plans to the country where the swine flu infection was first reported.
Air travel between China and Mexico comprises two flights from Mexico City to Shanghai by Mexicana Airlines, one on Monday and the other on Friday. There is no domestic direct flight to Mexico.
More than 20 countries, such as the United Sates, Canada and Spain, have reported cases or suspected cases of swine flu.
The probable death toll from swine flu in Mexico rose to 159, the Mexican Health Ministry said late Tuesday.
BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Overseas reports labeling China as the origin of the current swine flu outbreak were groundless, China's Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) said Wednesday.
The press reports alleged some dead pigs found in Fuqing City and Changle City in southeast China's Fujian Province might be the source of the swine flu outbreak in Mexico, said the ministry.
The dead pigs, which were illegally disposed of, died of swine dysentery and dropsy, both normal among young pigs, and investigations in pig farms around the area found no sign of an epidemic, the ministry said.
What the ministry said was confirmed by local officials and farmers in Fuqing.
"The bodies of all the 25 dead pigs have been deeply buried and disinfected with lime," said He Changgui, vice head of the Chengtou Township in Fuqing.
"With the drastic weather changes these days, the pigs are prone to diseases," said Chen Changwang, a local official with Shouxi Village of Chengtou.
"The pigs did not die all at the same time," he said. "Some died quite a few days ago."
No human cases of swine flu have been found in China, nor has the virus been found in the country's pigs, both the MOA and Ministry of Health (MOH) said.
China has not exported live pigs to Mexico or the United States, which means the country cannot be the origin of the deadly disease, the MOA said.
MOH spokesman Mao Qun'an also told Xinhua earlier that the reports were against truth and scientific common sense.
Neither ministries named the media organizations that made the reports.
Chinese President Hu calls for stepped-up efforts to prevent swine flu
BEIJING, April 28 (Xinhua) -- China went on full alert Tuesday to guard against swine flu, as authorities ordered round-the-clock monitoring of the deadly virus and suspension of pork imports from Mexico and the United States.
Chinese President Hu Jintao Tuesday ordered the country to step up inspection and quarantine measures to prevent swine flu from entering China and ensure public health and safety. Full story
Premier Wen calls for strengthened swine flu prevention
BEIJING, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Tuesday called for enhanced swine flu prevention and control in a State Council, or Cabinet, meeting in the wake of an outbreak of the epidemic in countries including Mexico.
The meeting, presided over by Wen, heard reports from central government departments including the Ministry of Health, on global swine flu situation. Full story
China's health ministry protests ungrounded swine flu reports
BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) said Wednesday that China "strongly opposes" the contents of overseas media reports on the country's swine flu situation, which were made "regardless of truth and scientific common sense."
MOH spokesman Mao Qun'an told Xinhua that some overseas media reports claimed the source of the current swine flu epidemic was in China. He did not specify any particular stories or organizations. Full story
China takes preventive steps against swine flu
BEIJING,April 28-- The government Monday banned the import of pork and pork products from Mexico and the U.S. states of Texas, Kansas and California to prevent the spread of swine flu that has killed at least 100 people in the Central American country.
All pork and pork products imported from Mexico and the three U.S. states will either be returned to the suppliers or destroyed, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ) said. Full story
China's Health Ministry on high alert for swine flu
BEIJING, April 27 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Health (MOH) is developing a diagnostic reagent for use in testing for swine flu, which has killed more than 100 people in Mexico, an MOH spokesman said Monday.
Research on a possible vaccine and medication to combat the deadly virus was also underway, MOH spokesman Mao Qun'an told Xinhua. Full story
Tourism regulator: no swine flu detected among China arrivals
BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese health authorities have detected no cases of swine flu among people arriving in the country by 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Tourism Administration (NTA).
Members of both foreign and Chinese tourist groups coming from swine flu affected countries had been monitored, said a statement on the NTA website. Full story
China draws on SARS lessons as swine flu spreads globally
GUANGZHOU, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese provinces are drawing on their experience handling the 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) to cope with the global swine flu outbreak.
Huang Fei, deputy director of the health bureau in south China's Guangdong Province, said Wednesday that the bureau had designated three provincial-level hospitals to treat suspected swine flu cases and ordered all urban health departments to designate one hospital for the disease. Full story
BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) said Wednesday that China "strongly opposes" the contents of overseas media reports on the country's swine flu situation, which were made "regardless of truth and scientific common sense."
MOH spokesman Mao Qun'an told Xinhua that some overseas media reports claimed the source of the current swine flu epidemic was in China. He did not specify any particular stories or organizations.
Mao said the government had been vigilant after the disease broke out in the United States and Mexico.
"No human cases have been found in China, nor has the virus been found in the country's pigs," he said.
He added that several government departments had taken coordinated prevention efforts.
He said China would work with the World Health Organization and governments of the countries affected by the outbreak.
"Getting through the epidemic is our common goal. We are glad to offer as much support and assistance as we can" to the affected areas, he said.
BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The swine flu epidemic took a tighter grip on the world economy Tuesday as Cuba issued the first travel ban to Mexico and several other countries banned imports of Mexican and some North American pork.
Following warnings from a number of governments against travel to Mexico, Cuba on Tuesday suspended all flights to and from its neighbor for 48 hours, becoming the first country to impose a travel ban to the epicenter of the epidemic.
Argentina also suspended flights from Mexico for five days as travelers from around the world canceled or postponed trips to the country. Other nations, meanwhile, intensified surveillance at their borders against the new virus that is suspected in 159 deaths across Mexico.
Many airlines issued polices waiving usual penalties for changing reservations for anyone traveling to, from, or through Mexico. Travel agencies across Asia and Europe have canceled tours to the country.
Airlines and cruise lines saw their stocks plunge Monday as investors sold their shares ahead of an anticipated drop in traffic.
Observers said the epidemic could have a multifaceted impact on the global economy, not only in tourism and transportation but also food and other supporting sectors.
Nine countries, including Russia, the Philippines and Thailand, have banned pork imports from Mexico and parts of the U.S. despite assurances that the disease is not spread through meat.
U.S. authorities said Tuesday that they may drop the term 'swine flu' since the virus incorporates genetic material from three species and because many people erroneously think they can get it from meat.
"This is not a food-borne crisis. It's important to not refer to swine flu. It's important to convey the message that consuming pork will not cause this illness," said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
The United States has revved up its response to the outbreak since it began in Mexico more than two weeks ago and has since spread to several American states including Texas, California and New York.
The illness also has been reported in Israel, New Zealand and Europe.
U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday asked Congress for 1.5 billion U.S. dollars in emergency funds to combat the illness that has sickened at least 65 people in America.
Obama said in a letter to Congress that the funds could be used to develop a vaccine, support the U.S. public health response to the outbreak and assist other governments and international organizations in stemming the flu's spread.
Major epidemic outbreaks usually mean dwindling business opportunities and reluctant trade. In 2008, a flu pandemic cost 3 trillion U.S. dollars and caused a nearly 5-percent drop in world gross domestic product, according to the World Bank.
Crude prices fell for a second day on Tuesday as investors worried that the outbreak could further depress oil prices and curb a recovery of the global economy. Stocks, meanwhile, recovered slightly because of a slower drop in home prices.
The Obama administration said it was too soon to determine the potential economic impact of the outbreak and that the Treasury Department was monitoring the situation.
BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Swine flu continued to test nerves of countries around the globe on Tuesday, with the number of confirmed cases of infection rising in the disease's origin of Mexico.
The latest report of the Mexican health department said the number of suspected swine flu deaths has risen to 159, and the number of suspected cases has increased to 2,498.
The number of confirmed human infection in the United States has risen to 64, with at least seven patients having been hospitalized, while President Barack Obama asked Congress for 1.5 billion U.S. dollars to enhance U.S. and global capacity to respond to the potential spread of swine flu.
In a letter to lawmakers, Obama asked them for a supplemental spending plan to build drug stockpiles and monitor future cases.
He said the request was made "out of an abundance of caution" in order to "enhance our nation's capability to respond to the potential spread of this outbreak."
Canada reported seven more confirmed cases of swine flu on Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 13.
Although all the new cases are mild ones, public health officials warned of more severe cases which may result in deaths.
Spanish Health and Social Policy Minister Trinidad Jimenez confirmed on Tuesday the second case of human infection of swine flu in the country.
The patient, a 24-year-old male student from University of Valencia, had a study trip to Mexico with the person who was the first confirmed case of swine flu in Spain.
Some 30 suspected cases of swine flu are under observation in Spain, the Spanish Health Ministry said.
As of Tuesday, confirmed cases of swine flu infection have also been reported in New Zealand, Israel, Britain and Costa Rica.
In Austria, five suspected swine flu patients, all of whom had been to Mexico recently, had been quarantined and received necessary medication.
The number of suspected cases in Brazil reached 20, but the Brazilian Health Ministry reaffirmed that the swine flu virus is not spreading in the country, as no one has contracted the disease on Brazilian soil so far.
China went on full alert Tuesday to guard against the virus, as authorities ordered round-the-clock monitoring of the deadly virus and suspension of pork imports from Mexico and the United States.
Chinese President Hu Jintao Tuesday ordered the country to step up inspection and quarantine measures to prevent swine flu from entering China and ensure public health and safety.
China is hoping to get swine flu virus samples from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention to facilitate its research on virus testing.
Suspected cases of human infection were also reported in China's Hong Kong, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Greece, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Ireland, France, Poland and Holland.
Following Cuba, Argentina decided to suspend flights from Mexico as a precautious measure, and was considering requiring visitors from North America to report to the health authorities.
Since it was proved that the swine flu was not transmitted by consumption, Nicaragua suspended the restriction on imports of pork products from Mexico.
The World Health Organization said it does not recommend border closures to fight the spread of swine flu because it "doesn't work" since not all infected people show symptoms.
The European Union (EU) said it currently has no plan to impose any trade restrictions on Mexico.
"We have no plans to impose any trade restrictions at present since there is no risk from food or animal products from what we know so far," a spokesman for EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton told reporters.
BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Health authorities of the Chinese mainland have informed Taiwan that no swine flu cases have been found in the mainland, Li Weiyi, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said Wednesday.
The mainland will maintain close contacts with Taiwan on the development of the pandemic and actively cooperate with the island, Li said at a press conference.
MACAO, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Health officials of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Tuesday held a video conference with their counterparts in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong SAR, discussing measures of tackling the spreading threat of swine flu.
During the conference, the officials and experts reviewed the current situation of swine flu pandemic around the world, and exchanged opinions on the quarantine arrangement of suspected patients, anti-flu drug supplies, the research and development of relevant vaccine and the rapid test of new virus, according to a press release from Macao's Health Bureau.
It was agreed that a name list of health experts from the three places be drawn up facilitating their direct communication to strengthen the information sharing process and the cooperation of swine flu prevention, the Bureau said.
The Influenza Pandemic Prevention Coordination Group, an inter-departmental task force of the Macao SAR government, has raised the flu pandemic alert from level II to level III on Monday as the swine flu outbreak in Mexico continued to spread to other nations around the globe.
BEIJING, April 28 (Xinhua) -- China is fully prepared for swine flu, Hans Troedsson, World Health Organization (WHO) representative in China, said Tuesday.
China has learned a lot from its previous SARS and avian flu outbreaks, and has set up an effective surveillance system for epidemics, Troedsson said at a press conference in Beijing.
"We've just been informed by the Health Ministry that they've got out the alert that they should increase the surveillance and part of that surveillance is to look into suspected cases and investigate them thoroughly," Troedsson said.
"I think the authorities have done the right thing," he said.
Troedsson stressed that there were no confirmed cases of the virus in China so far.
But if the disease turned into a global outbreak, the virus might well enter China, whose enormous population and large-scale migration posed serious threats to disease prevention and control.
Troedsson suggested China, as well as other countries, should enhance monitoring of suspected cases of swine flu and step up public awareness of swine flu prevention.
"What is important is transparency and openness, not only to the WHO but also to the public. It's very important that the people understand the situation," Troedsson said.
The WHO also advised the government to support individuals and communities to take precaution measures, he said.
Troedsson said the WHO had been monitoring swine flu round the clock, and had been in close contact with the two countries that first reported swine flu cases -- Mexico and the United States.
It also sent investigation teams to support and assist the Mexican government. The disease has killed about 150 people in the country.
The WHO was prepared to provide support for other members as well when needed, he said. But the organization was not considering recommending travel restrictions to Mexico since the restriction could no longer contain the disease.
HONG KONG, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong Secretary for Food and Health York Chow said Tuesday that the government is working with the University of Hong Kong to shorten the testing methods for swine flu virus.
Chow told reporters the new testing method, which allows quicker results, is expected to be in use within one to two weeks.
The testing method currently using takes about two to three days to come up with the results.
A person tested on April 27 for swine influenza has been confirmed to be free of the virus. Meanwhile, four more people have been taken to hospital for tests on Tuesday.
According to Chow, Hong Kong has sufficient resources and materials including the supply of dose to fight the virus should it emerge in the city.
The local top health official and the other ones have discussed the different scenarios that may affect Hong Kong, and the Hospital Authority and government departments are preparing contingency plans.
"We are *** preparations for the worst scenarios, although we hope they will not happen. We have a very comprehensive preparation for such a possibility," Chow said.
BEIJING, April 28 (Xinhua) -- China went on full alert Tuesday to guard against swine flu, as authorities ordered round-the-clock monitoring of the deadly virus and suspension of pork imports from Mexico and the United States.
Chinese President Hu Jintao Tuesday ordered the country to step up inspection and quarantine measures to prevent swine flu from entering China and ensure public health and safety.
Hu urged local Party and government departments to stick to the people-first policy, closely monitor the global swine flu situation, and take prompt and comprehensive measures to deal with the virus, which had killed about 150 people in Mexico.
Officials should enhance international cooperation and public awareness of swine flu, and make full preparations of necessary materials and technological reserves to combat the deadly virus, he said.
As of Tuesday morning, no confirmed cases of swine flu had been reported in China, and the related virus had not been found in pigs in the country which has the world's biggest pig population.
HEALTH MINISTRY: MEDICAL STAFF ON 24-HOUR STANDBY
The Health Ministry released a notice on Tuesday afternoon, ordering a round-the-clock working plan at all medical departments.
Authorities should enhance monitoring and reporting of suspected cases of swine flu, and should step up supervision at kindergartens, schools, colleges and nursing homes, focusing on the elderly and the children, it added.
Patients suspected of contracting the virus should be taken to designated hospitals, and treated and transported by designated emergency centers only, it said.
Medical supplies and equipment should be sufficiently provided to the designated medical institutions.
QUALITY WATCHDOG: PORK IMPORT FROM MEXICO AND UNITED STATES SUSPENDED
China's Agriculture Ministry and quality watchdog issued a joint notice on Monday suspending all imports of live pigs or products containing pork from Mexico and the US states of Texas, California and Kansas.
Live pigs or products shipped from the above regions to China before Monday could not enter the Chinese market without being tested by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, the notice said.
The administration would enhance inspection of parcels and luggage carried by passengers entering China, and advance sterilization of passing international ships, trains and aircraft.
It would also join with the customs and border defence authorities to crack down on the smuggling of live pigs and their products.
On Saturday, the administration also required the public to report flu-like symptoms at the point of entry when coming from the swine flu affected places.
People who developed flu-like symptoms after returning from the disease affected regions within two weeks should also report to the local entry-exit inspection and quarantine authorities.
People reporting flu-like symptoms must be examined and those who have been infected or are suspected to be infected by the virus should be isolated and treated.
Those who have traveled to Mexico would be subject to stricter examinations, the administration said.
AGRICULTURAL MINISTRY: EXPERTS ORGANIZED TO STUDY EPIDEMIC SITUATION
The Ministry of Agriculture Tuesday announced a team of animal disease prevention experts would study the epidemic situation of the swine flu, and to make proposals for Chinese authorities to head off the virus.
Minister of Agriculture Sun Zhengcai said although China so far reported no suspected cases of swine flu nor any similar virus in pigs, the epidemic could still spread to China.
"The situation in some countries is worsening. More suspected cases are being found and the affected area is expanding," he said, "There are too many uncertainties."
Sun said the ministry had been in close contact with the WHO and agricultural departments of Mexico and the United States to make preparations.
The ministry was closely monitoring regions with large numbers of pigs, he said. Owners of live pigs imported from overseas since last year were required to promptly report to the ministry, should the pigs show abnormalities with their health.
The ministry was also working to develop a vaccine for the swine flu, Sun said.
COMMERCE, FOREIGN MINISTRIES RECOMMEND TO POSTPONE TRIPS TO MEXICO
China's Ministry of Commerce warned Chinese citizens not to work in Mexico in the near term, and to enhance prevention when they head to work in countries that have reported swine flu cases.
The United States, Canada, Spain and France had also reported cases of swine flu.
Jiang Yu, spokeswoman of China's Foreign Ministry, also warned Chinese citizens to take steps for disease prevention when visiting those countries.
The Foreign Ministry would closely follow the development of the swine flu epidemic, and would promptly publish new information.
The National Tourism Administration ordered travel agencies to suspend tour groups to Mexico, and advised Chinese citizens to avoid trips to the country.
Premier Wen calls for strengthened swine flu prevention
BEIJING, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Tuesday called for enhanced swine flu prevention and control in a State Council, or Cabinet, meeting in the wake of an outbreak of the epidemic in countries including Mexico.
The meeting, presided over by Wen, heard reports from central government departments including the Ministry of Health, on global swine flu situation. Full story
World on higher alert for swine flu outbreaks
Passengers wear protective masks as they ride Mexico's city subway April 28, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery
BEIJING, April 28 (Xinhua) -- As the H1N1 swine flu is reported to have claimed 152 lives in Mexico and is confirmed to have hit Europe, the whole world is on higher alert for the new deadly virus, with the World Health Organization raising its pandemic alert level.
About 2,000 people in Mexico have been hospitalized with swine flu as of Monday, 776 of them in serious condition, according to official statistics. Full story
Swine flu poses new challenges to world economy
BEIJING, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Fears are on the rise that the swine flu outbreak could jeopardize the already fragile global economy and reverse its initial recovery.
Mexico, which is at the epicenter of the deadly disease, has so far reported a total of 1,995 suspected cases and at least 149 suspected swine flu deaths. Its northern neighbor, the United States, reported 42 confirmed cases, including 28 at one New York City school. Full story
China takes preventive steps against swine flu
BEIJING,April 28-- The government Monday banned the import of pork and pork products from Mexico and the U.S. states of Texas, Kansas and California to prevent the spread of swine flu that has killed at least 100 people in the Central American country.
All pork and pork products imported from Mexico and the three U.S. states will either be returned to the suppliers or destroyed, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ) said. Full story
China's Health Ministry on high alert for swine flu
BEIJING, April 27 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Health (MOH) is developing a diagnostic reagent for use in testing for swine flu, which has killed more than 100 people in Mexico, an MOH spokesman said Monday.
Research on a possible vaccine and medication to combat the deadly virus was also underway, MOH spokesman Mao Qun'an told Xinhua. Full story
China's capital sees pork consumption unaffected
BEIJING, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Pork prices remained stable and consumption unchanged in Beijing Monday in the aftermath of the swine flu outbreak in Mexico as the government assured the pork is safe to eat.
At Xinfadi, Beijing's largest wholesale food market, hog and pork prices stood at between 11.5 yuan (1.7 U.S. dollars) and 13.5 yuan per kg. Full story
CHP: Hong Kong woman being tested for swine flu
HONG KONG, April 27 (Xinhua) -- A Hong Kong woman who recently developed symptoms of respiratory infection and fever while traveling to the United States was being tested for swine flu, the local Center for Health Protection (CHP) said Monday.
Hong Kong stepped up surveillance of swine flu on Saturday. The Center for Health Protection said it has since received reports on three patients in line with the reporting criteria. All-clear has been given to the other two patients. Full story
Health minister: "Probable" swine flu death toll reaches 152 in Mexico
MEXICO CITY, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Mexican Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova Villalobos said late Monday that "probable" deaths toll from swine flu rose to 152 in the country.
Cordova announced the number, including both confirmed and suspected swine flu cases, at a news conference. Full story
U.S. swine flu cases rise to 40, drug stockpile released
WASHINGTON, April 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. health officials said Monday that there are now up to 40 cases of swine flu in five U.S. States and they had released 25 percent of a federal drugs stockpile to states fighting swine flu.
Briefing reporters at a news conference in Atlanta on Monday, Richard Besser, acting director of the CDC, said 20 new cases were confirmed due entirely to further testing in New York at a school in Queens, bringing the New York total to 28. Full story
WHO raises pandemic alert level from Phase 3 to Phase 4
GENEVA, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Amid the rapid spread of swine flu in some countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday raised its pandemic alert level from Phase 3 to Phase 4, warning of a significant increase in the risk of a pandemic.
Following the advice and guidance of an emergency committee, WHO Director-general Margaret Chan decided to raise the alert level from the current Phase 3 to Phase 4, a WHO official told the media on a teleconference. Full story
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