Swine Flu Update: Monday P.M. April 27

• Travelers told to avoid Mexico – New York Times

International fears of a pandemic rose Monday as the number of people killed by the swine flu in Mexico climbed to 149. At least four other countries have confirmed cases and many others have stepped up testing as well as issuing advisories about traveling to Mexico and the United States.

By the afternoon, the World Health Organization had raised its threat level of a pandemic alert, and markets in Europe and Asia had been unnerved by the concerns.

In raising its threat level to 4 from 3, a decision likely to prompt more travel warnings, the W.H.O. emphasized that “a pandemic is not considered inevitable.” But it acknowledged that containment of swine flu now moot, and mitigation is its main concern. “The situation is fluid and will continue to evolve,” it said in a statement.

• NYC cases hit 28 – New York Post
• Mexico counts 149 dead from flu – Reuters
• First confirmed cases in Britain and Spain – Washington Post
• Swine Flu fears depress markets - Wall Street Journal