The Hindu : Front Page : Asia struggles to limit spread of swine flu

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Sunday, May 03, 2009
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Asia struggles to limit spread of swine flu

South Korea, Hong Kong report two cases

HONG KONG: Health authorities across Asia are on high alert to limit the spread of swine flu after reporting two confirmed cases in the continent.

Hong Kong quarantined hundreds of hotel guests and workers on Friday after a tourist from Mexico tested positive for A(H1N1) flu, Asia's first confirmed case of the disease.

The man, who was not identified, flew from Mexico to Shanghai, then on to Hong Kong. He developed a fever after arriving in the territory on Thursday afternoon, Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang told reporters.

Meanwhile, South Korea confirmed its first case of the disease on Saturday, according to state disease control center chief Lee Jong-koo. The 51-year-old woman returned from Mexico on April 26 and reported to authorities the next day that she had flu symptoms. She has since been quarantined, but a doctor treating her told reporters Saturday that she is in good condition with few symptoms.

Mexico reported no new deaths from swine flu overnight - more reason to be optimistic that the worst is over at the epicenter of the outbreak.

Earlier on Saturday, World Health Organisation upped its tally of confirmed human cases to 615, with 17 deaths. The epidemic has spread across 17 countries. - AP

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