Italy ready to tackle swine flu: minister

Special Report: World Tackles Swine Flu

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.