Deadly new flu strain erupts in Mexico, U.S.

The World Health Organization said tests showed the virus from 12 of the Mexican patients was the same genetically as a new strain of swine flu, designated H1N1, seen in eight people in California and Texas.

“Our concern has grown as of yesterday,” Dr. Richard Besser, acting director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told reporters in a telephone briefing.

Concerns in Texas, Florida

Center for Disease Control Antiviral Medication Guidance

CDC Says too late to contain U.S. Flu Outbreak

W.H.O Ready With Antivirals

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday that it was prepared with rapid containment measures including antivirals if needed to combat the swine flu outbreaks in Mexico and the United States.

The Geneva-based agency has been stockpiling doses of Roche Holding’s Tamiflu, known generically as oseltamivir, a pill that can both treat flu and prevent infection.