The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) reports today that Swine Flu is spreading globally, and that there are now 985 laboratory confirmed cases in 20 countries. Colombia and El Salvador are the latest countries to join the W.H.O. list, which headed by Mexico (with 590 laboratory confirmed cases) and the United States (with 226). France reported two more cases today — both of them travelers who had returned from Mexico, the apparent epicenter of the outbreak — bringing France’s total to four.

Concern is growing in many countries – China for e.g. has reportedly quarantined approximately 70 Mexican travelers in hospitals and hotels.

In the United States, federal health officials said yesterday that 226 cases had been confirmed in 30 states, with more expected to turn up in additional states in the next few days.