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Swine Flu Spreads, But Relatively Few Deaths Reported

Most reported deaths are in Mexico

May 3, 2009

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Mexico is now reporting 506 confirmed human cases of H1N1 swine flu, including 19 deaths, by far the highest of any country, according to the World Health Organization's latest update.

The higher number of cases from Mexico in the past 48 hours reflects ongoing testing of previously collected specimens, WHO said. The United States has reported 160 laboratory-confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths: Austria (1), Canada (70), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), France (2), Germany (6), Ireland (1), Israel (3), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (4), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (15).

WHO is not advising any restrictions on regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

Canada yesterday reported the identification of the virus in a swine herd in Alberta. It is highly probable that the pigs were exposed to the virus from a Canadian farm worker recently returned from Mexico, who had exhibited flu-like symptoms and had contact with the pigs, WHO said. There is no indication of virus adaptation through transfer from human to pigs at this time.

There is no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products, said Canadian Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.

"First and foremost, I want to make it clear that Canadian pork is safe. The international scientific community, including the OIE and WHO, agree that H1N1 Influenza A is not a food safety issue. We will continue to reassure Canadian consumers and our international trading partners that Canadian pork is safe," Ritz said.

"The case identified in Alberta is entirely contained. There is no threat to human or animal health," he added.

The best preventive measure is to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis.

Find out everything you need to know about swine flu.

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