World goes on alert as deadly flu spreads

Mexico City: Governments around the world rushed to reduce the impact of a possible flu pandemic on Tuesday, as Mexico said the number of probable deaths from swine flu had risen to 149.

The virus has infected hundreds of people and has spread from the United States and Canada also reached Europe.

While the virus has so far killed no one outside Mexico, it has proved it can spread quickly between humans, raising fears that the world may be facing the flu pandemic that scientists say is long overdue.

The World Health Organisation said its emergency committee could decide to raise its pandemic alert level to phase 4. The move would show the WHO believes that large outbreaks are possible.

The US government has already declared a public health emergency and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday urged caution over travel to Mexico, adding that Washington was taking the outbreak "very seriously".

The European Union urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel to areas affected by swine flu. Japan on Tuesday tightened visa restrictions for Mexicans.

In Britain, a minister said 17 suspected swine flu cases are being investigated, including three under isolation in hospital. Health Secretary Alan Johnson added that Britain is implementing "enhanced" health checks at entry points.

Spain became the first country in Europe to confirm a case of swine flu when a man who returned from a trip to Mexico last week was found to have the virus. Suspected cases were also reported in France, Italy and Israel.