What is swine flu?

Cases of swine flu, which has killed people in Mexico, have been confirmed around the world. With experts scrambling to develop a vaccine, there is concern at the potential for a pandemic affecting millions of people. Swine flu is a respiratory disease, caused by influenza type A which infects pigs. There are many types, and the infection is constantly changing. Until now it has not normally infected humans, but the latest form clearly does, and can be spread from person to person – probably through coughing and sneezing. Read more

Mexico begins five-day break to fight swine flu

As Mexico begins a five-day break aimed at further slowing the spread of the deadly swine flu virus, the country’s epidemiology chief faults the WHO for not stepping in earlier. Denmark and Hong Kong become latest countries to report H1N1 infections and the outbreak even touches the White House. Read more