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A deadly flu which has killed up to 68 people across Mexico may have spread as far as London and New York.
The World Health Organisation called an emergency meeting today and admitted they were "very, very concerned".
In New York up to nine people from a school party tested positive for what is believed to be swine flu after returning from a trip to Mexico.
And in London a member of a British Airways cabin crew was taken to hospital with "flu-like symptoms" after falling ill on a flight from Mexico City to Heathrow.
The man, who has not been named, has been taken to Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow, a hospital spokesman said.
(from sky news)
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FLAMING HELL. READ ABOUT THIS, BUT DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THIS POOR CABIN CREW GUY.
IT IS FRIGHTENING, AND NO I DON'T THINK THE GOVERNMENT WILL ACT QUICK ENOUGH OVER THIS
WISHING ALL THOSE AFFECTED WELL
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i exspect that this goverment will hang on until it is to late as with all the other times then look ofter themselves first.
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The UK is on alert as the global health watchdog has warned countries to look out for unusual flu cases after a deadly outbreak of swine influenza.
More than 80 people have died of pneumonia in Mexico after contracting a flu-like virus and many others - including children in a New York school - have fallen ill in the United States and Mexico.
A man in the UK, was admitted to hospital with "flu-like symptoms" after arriving at Heathrow on a flight from Mexico City.
He has since been cleared of the illness.
A spokesman for Northwick Park Hospital said the cabin crew member does not have swine flu: "All the tests have come back negative."
World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general Margaret Chan said the outbreak in Mexico and the US constituted a "public health emergency of international concern".
It means nations will be expected to step up reporting and surveillance of the contagious respiratory disease, which she said had "pandemic potential".
The H1N1 strain of swine flu usually associated with pigs has spread to humans, causing symptoms including fever and fatigue.
Health authorities are monitoring the situation as tests are carried out to assess the potential of the virus to spread.
The UK Health Protection Agency said it was keeping a close eye on the situation involving human cases of swine influenza in case of any threat to people in this country.
An HPA spokesman said: "No cases of swine flu have been identified in the UK or anywhere in Europe.
"The reported events in the US and Mexico are unusual and warrant further investigation and vigilance on the part of other countries.
"More investigation and testing is needed to determine the severity of the disease and the ease with which it can spread.
"The HPA is monitoring this situation closely and is working with the UK government to review the current incident and any threat it poses to UK public health."
There was currently a "very low level" of flu activity in the UK, according to the HPA, which added that H1N1 was treatable with antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza.
To prevent the spread of illness, the HPA advised people to cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, to throw away dirty tissues promptly and carefully, and to wash hands and surfaces which are regularly touched.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20090426/tuk-uk-on-alert-for-deadly-swine-flu-dba1618.html
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