Swine flu spreads in Asia, city on edge

Asia went into a panic as swine flu spread to 16 countries, with South Korea reporting its first confirmed case on Saturday.

Hong Kong had earlier reported a confirmed case, while Israel reported two. In Europe, Spain and the UK were the worst hit with 15 and 13 cases respectively. In all, there are 616 confirmed cases, with 397 in Mexico and 141 in the US.

In India, the health ministry said all six suspected cases had tested negative for influenza A (H1N1 virus). Five passengers in Delhi and one in Hyderabad were referred to hospitals after they showed symptoms. There were no suspected cases in Mumbai. WHO is sending 2.5 million doses of Tamiflu to developing nations.

In South Korea, a 51-year-old nun, quarantined since Tuesday after returning from Mexico, was diagnosed with the new flu strain.

In China, authorities have quarantined a hotel where a Mexican national who was reported to have the flu was staying. They are tracing all other passengers on the same flight as the patient. China has also suspended all flights from Mexico.