Swine flu spreads - causes mild illness
Wed April 29th, 2009
Swine flu had officially reached seven countries last night - but whether the virus would successfully take hold in new countries remained unknown.
In Scotland, UK, contacts of two infected honeymooners were being tested for infection. The nine were said to be displaying mild symptoms.
The original infected couple in Scotland were still being treated in hospital.
The World Health Organisation said cases had been confirmed in seven countries, Mexico, USA, Canada with six cases, New Zealand, the UK, Israel and Spain.
The USA had confirmed some 64 cases but no deaths. In Mexico, the source of the outbreak, just 26 illnesses and seven deaths have been confirmed as caused by swine flu.
The WHO confirmed its advice that borders should not be closed and travel not restricted.
However people with illnesses should avoid international travel - and those who developed symptoms after travel to seek medical infection, it said.
However in Britain the Foreign Office issued guidance advising against non-essential guidance to Mexico.
A WHO spokesman said: "Travellers are advised, whenever possible, to avoid crowded enclosed spaces and close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.
"Hand-washing after direct contact with ill persons or their environment may reduce the risk of illness.Ill persons should be encouraged to practise cough etiquette."
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