Europe’s response to the threat of a flu pandemic varies but in general EU members say they have plentiful stocks of anti-viral medicines, and several awareness campaigns have been launched. Some travel firms are cutting flights to Mexico while France, Germany, Britain, Bulgaria and Russia are warning against visiting the country. But Spain, with the most reported cases, is distributing face masks and gloves to air travellers.

“I heard a story on the radio this morning saying that a pharmacy here in Barcelona has sold out of masks, and that there are problems in the laboratories. it all seems totally out of proportion to me,” said one man. For the moment Europe only has 20 cases in five countries, and another 159 suspect cases in 10 countries. No-one has died. To make sure it stays that way Britain today launched a dramatic television advertising campaign.

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