Swine flu spreading rapidly through Europe
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The Associated Press
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Temmuz 04, 2009 00:00
CANCUN, Mexico - Swine flu is running wild in the Southern Hemisphere and is spreading rapidly through Europe, with Britain projected to reach 100,000 daily cases by the end of August. The virus is even showing signs of rebounding in Mexico.
World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan and health ministers from around the globe huddled Thursday in Cancun for a two-day summit to design strategies for battling the pandemic. Nations attending include the United States, Canada, China, Britain and Brazil. "As we see today, with well over 100 countries reporting cases, once a fully fit pandemic virus emerges, its further international spread is unstoppable," Chan said. Mexican officials wanted the meeting held in the Caribbean resort city of Cancun to highlight the country's success in controlling its epidemic with a five-day national shutdown of schools and businesses in May.
The measures were applauded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and international health officials. "Our presence here is an expression of confidence," Chan said. "Mexico is a safe, as well as a beautiful and warmly gracious, place to visit."
But Mexico is starting to see an increase in swine flu cases in isolated areas. In southern Chiapas state and the state of Yucatan - adjacent to Quintana Roo state, where Cancun is located - cases have more than doubled in a worrying sign that the country may see a resurgence. Worldwide, there were 332 deaths and more than 77,000 confirmed cases as of Wednesday, said the WHO.
The measures were applauded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and international health officials. "Our presence here is an expression of confidence," Chan said. "Mexico is a safe, as well as a beautiful and warmly gracious, place to visit."
But Mexico is starting to see an increase in swine flu cases in isolated areas. In southern Chiapas state and the state of Yucatan - adjacent to Quintana Roo state, where Cancun is located - cases have more than doubled in a worrying sign that the country may see a resurgence. Worldwide, there were 332 deaths and more than 77,000 confirmed cases as of Wednesday, said the WHO.