WHO increased to 617 confirmed cases of influenza A in 16 countries

* The WHO has updated its data on the virus.
* In Mexico brings to 16 the number of dead.
* And 397 cases of patients infected.
* In Asia the first confirmed cases of influenza.
* Spain, the fourth country with more cases

02.05.2009

The World Health Organization (WHO) updated this morning, the number of confirmed cases of people infected with swine influenza virus, or AH1N1, which have almost doubled in the last 24 hours and already affecting 617, including 17 deaths in 16 countries.
Mexico and USA are the only countries in which so far has been killed by influenza A or swine

Only Mexico has reported 397 human cases of infection, including 16 confirmed deaths. The increase in 241 cases, with the figures released on Mexico hours before, is because the results are obtained for samples that had been sent to laboratories for analysis, he added.

United States has officially informed of 141 cases, including the death of a baby of 23 months, who was Mexican and spent holidays in this country.

Still, with confirmed cases, but no deaths: Austria (1), Canada (34), China, Hong Kong (1), Denmark (1), France (1), Germany (6), Israel (2), Netherlands ( 1), New Zealand (4), South Korea (1), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (13).

Meanwhile, outside our borders, is awaiting test results to a patient arrived from Brazil. This will bring to 16 the number of affected countries.

Reiterated that the health organization does not recommend restricting travel or regular border closures, although it believes "that people should postpone travel sick and those who develop symptoms after a trip to seek medical attention."

Also, the WHO said there is no risk of infection from eating well-cooked pork and products derived from this animal. " Also insisted on his advice for people to reinforce the usual hygiene measures, including washing hands frequently with soap.

He urged people to go to medical services if they develop any symptoms such as fever over 38 degrees, cough, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, eye irritation and nasal discharge.

For its part, the EU hopes it will affect half the population, although in most cases are mild. To corroborate the figures from governments, WHO should expect a series of analysis performed by reference laboratories are completed and receive the official notification.