WHO maintains swine flu alert, but virus is on decline

Confirmed deaths in Mexico alone, at 22. Across the world the number of dead is 23, with 900 cases of infection. Mexico and China clash over isolation of travellers. In the United States, each year 36 thousand people are victims of the common flu.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews) – The World Health Organisation is advising nations to remain vigilant in their response to swine flu. According to the WHO there are at least 900 cases across the five continents and authorities must remain alert. From the epicentre in Mexico the Minister for Health confirmed that the virus peaked between April 23-28 and that now it is on the decline, but he also confirmed that deaths caused by the H1N1 virus are now 22, with 586 cases of infection. Most of the deaths took place in Mexico City.

Meanwhile President Felipe Calderon has accused some nations (without specifying which) of using “discriminatory measures” against Mexican citizens “out of ignorance”. The accusation clearly refers to China’s decision to isolate a group of 70 Mexicans who arrived in the People’s Republic. Of the group only one (who later went on to Hong Kong) was positive to the H1N1 virus. None of the others present any of the symptoms of the virus, but for security reasons have been isolated in three Chinese locations. In Hong Kong the hotel in which the Mexican was staying – with 300 guests and 100 staff – has been placed under quarantine for 7 days.

The Chinese Foreign Minister declared that Mexico will send an airplane to collect all the Mexican citizens currently in isolation. Yesterday the Mexican ambassador sought to visit some of those being kept in isolation in the capital, but he was forbidden to do so.

China has also blocked all meat imports from Canada, after some batches were tested positive for the virus. The WHO continues to underline that the infection is not spread through eating pork, but many nations have taken separate measures. Egypt even approved the slaughter of 300 thousand pigs in fear of swine flu spreading.

The virus is increasing in the United States where 226 cases are registered. According to experts its evolution and mortality rate however, fall short of the toll for the common flu. In the US alone each year 36 thousand people die from the common flu.