Mexico Swine Flu Death Toll Reaches 149

The suspected death toll from the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico rose today to 149 persons, as health authorities cancelled all schools across that country until May 6.

Mexican Health Secretary, Jose Angel Cordova, along with other cabinet officials held a press conference earlier today in Mexico City where they disclosed the latest information that they have gathered about the swine flu outbreak that has halted many aspects of public life in Mexico and appears to be spreading.

Cordova said that since the first case of swine flu was reported, 1,995 people have been hospitalized with serious cases of pneumonia, and 1,070 of these people have since been released. He said 20 of the deaths have been confirmed as being caused by swine flu, but that just two laboratories in the country – one in Mexico City and one in the state of Veracruz – are able to confirm this new swine flu strain.