Mexico hosts key swine flu forum

Leaders and experts from 50 countries are meeting in Cancun, Mexico, to discuss the global swine flu outbreak.

The two-day event, starting on Thursday, is aimed at examining the response to the H1N1 virus and seeing what lessons can be learned.

The meeting is taking place as Paraguay reported its first swine flu death and some parts of Argentina have declared a public heath emergency.

It has been more than two months since the initial alert over swine flu.

Since then, the H1N1 virus has entered more than 100 countries, infected more than 70,000 people and killed more than 300 worldwide.

Vaccine

As the experts and leaders meet in Cancun, authorities across South America are becoming increasingly concerned as the peak flu season approaches.

Schools across Argentina have sent students home and pregnant women have been told they can take two weeks off work to avoid contracting the virus.

It is hoped the Cancun meeting will address many of the issues that might help slow the spread of swine flu.

However, many people are concerned that an effective vaccine has still not been developed.