Swine flu spreads to the UK

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27 April 2009: Swine flu has caused a suspected 152 deaths in Mexico and now 2 cases have been confirmed in the UK. Experts say we could be close to a flu pandemic. Here's the latest news

A British couple who were on their honeymoon in Mexico have both been confirmed to have swine flu. They are being treated in hospital in Scotland and are said to be recovering well.

7 other people who came into contact with the couple have developed similar mild symptoms - but these have not been confirmed as swine flu yet.

Another person was treated at Manchester airport this morning after developing symptoms on a flight from Cancun.

Cases of swine flu have also been confirmed in the US, Canada, Spain and Australia. So far no one outside Mexico has died from the disease.

The World Health Organisation has now raised the level of alert to 4 (out of 6) which means the swine flu virus is spreading from person to person and could cause community outbreaks. However, this does not mean a pandemic is definite, just that it is more likely.

The Foreign Office has advised people against travel to Mexico.

Sources: BBC Health, Department of Health, NHS, Health Protection Agency, Royal College of General Practitioners, World Health Organisation Sky News