Response Gears Up as Swine Flu Spreads

As confirmed cases of swine flu rose Monday, health officials took steps to fight the outbreak. Suspected deaths rose to 149 in Mexico, the Associated Press said. Officials have confirmed 48 U.S. cases so far. Worldwide, 73 were confirmed. Also Monday, the World Health Organization raised its pandemic alert status. It is now Phase 4 out of 6. This means that the virus has spread from person to person in more than one country. U.S. officials released 11 million doses of anti-flu medicine to the states. The United States and the European Union advised people to avoid travel to Mexico. Several Asian countries also checked returning travelers for signs of fever.