US prepared for the worst
Mexico City: World health officials, racing to extinguish a new flu strain that is jumping borders, raised a global alert to an unprecedented level as the outbreak claimed more lives in Mexico. The US prepared for the worst even as President Barack Obama tried to reassure Americans.
With the swine flu having already spread to at least four other countries, authorities around the globe are like firefighters battling a blaze without knowing how far it extends.
"At this time, containment is not a feasible option," said Keiji Fukuda, assistant director-general of the World Health Organization, which raised its alert level on Monday, April 27, 2009.
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Image: A Mexican resident wears a protective mask during a flight from San Salvador to Mexico City on April 27, 2009.