Mexico begins shutting down as flu fears spread

By Catherine Bremer

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico began shutting down parts of its economy on Thursday to slow the spread of a new flu strain as officials urged increased worldwide precautions against an imminent pandemic.

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New confirmed flu cases were reported in the United States, Canada and Europe, although a case in Peru, which would have been the first confirmed case in Latin America outside of Mexico, was later discounted.

Almost all cases outside of Mexico have been mild, only a handful of patients have required hospital treatment, and most global markets have shrugged off concerns.

But the case count continues to rise, and officials say there are many unanswered questions about the outbreak.

U.S. officials said new infections were occurring and at least 298 U.S. schools closed around the country because of possible infections. Canada recorded its first case of person-to person transmission of the virus.

In Mexico, the worst hit country with up to 176 deaths, President Felipe Calderon told government offices and private businesses not crucial to the economy to stop work beginning on Friday to avoid further spreading a virus that is striking across age and class lines.

"There is no safer place than your own home to avoid being infected with the flu virus," Calderon said in his first televised address since the outbreak started.

In Mexico City, where the virus has already brought public life to a standstill, some were skeptical while others vowed not to take part in the shutdown.

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http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE53N22820090430