Mexico gets ready to ease flu curbs

As Mexico got ready to ease curbs later this week following its deadly flu outbreak, health experts were warning people not to become complacent.

Authorities said the five day self imposed shut down of the countries cafes, restaurants and other public places had successfully stopped the further spread of the new H1N1 strain.

With recorded cases stabilising officials believe Mexico is over the worst. However, they have stressed the virus still poses a major threat.

Doctor in biomedicine Jaime Martuscelli said: ‘‘The virus will continue to circulate producing isolated cases and under no circumstances should we lower our guard. The threat will still be there, I don’t know for how long, and we should remain alert being able to react in case we are faced with a possible revival.’‘

After 26 confirmed deaths, Mexico continues to take no chances. Elsewhere the virus is threatening a trade row after China banned Canadian pork imports following an outbreak on a farm in the province of Alberta.

Pork producer Ben Wooley said: ‘‘We are concerned. We’re concerned about what effect it’ll have on the exports from Alberta and from Canada in general.’‘

Some 220 pigs on the farm were quarantined after they became infected from a worker. Canada has threatened action if China does not lift the ban.

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tags: Canada, Mexico