Confirmed | Suspected | Attributed Deaths | Confirmed Deaths |
172 | 2498 | 159 | 20 |
Mexico was the location where the new strain of Swine flu was first identified, shortly before the United States. However, Mexico is not necessarily the source of the outbreak. Mexico’s Health Minister, José Ángel Córdova, announced that the source of the outbreak might have been a 4-year old boy in the village of La Gloria.[1]
Current Status
As of 27th April 2009, Mexico has 1995 suspected cases of swine flu, with 20 confirmed deaths and possibly 129 more. [2] [3] Health Minister Córdova noted that the number of new cases had declined during the past three days: from 141 on Saturday to 119 on Sunday and 110 on Monday.[4] It's not clear why there are more deaths in Mexico than in other areas, as there are multiple variables, such as a stronger strain of the virus or more exposure to it.[5] No definite conclusion at this time can be reached, however, the CDC reported today that swine flu viruses in the US and Mexico match.[6]
Economic Impact
The outbreak has caused more strain on an economy that was already under pressure from the current economic crisis. Although the World Bank said it would extend Mexico $25 million in loans for immediate aid and $180 million in long-term assistance[7] it wasn't enough to restore customer investor confidence leading to the peso’s biggest tumble in six months. It seems likely now that Mexico will have to draw on a $47 billion credit line from the International Monetary Fund.[8]