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CDC: Swine Flu Outbreak Signs 'Encouraging'
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A declaration of phase 6 would "not mean that the virus has become any more severe," but that it has spread to a number of countries around the world, she said. "The level is about geography, not severity," she said.
Despite the relative mildness of the swine flu strain, Napolitano said, "this is not the time to rest." She said the virus could die down soon and reemerge in the fall when the new school year is in full swing.
In Mexico, meanwhile, authorities today lowered their flu alert level in the capital, Mexico City, and prepared to reopen many businesses and tourist sites this week.
Although the confirmed swine flu death toll rose slightly, officials said the epidemic appears to be ebbing.
"The trend is slowing," Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova told a news conference this morning. But he warned that "a resurgence is possible, and this could occur in the coming days or even much later."
Mexican officials said the confirmed death toll in the country stands at 26 and that at least 701 other people have been sickened by the virus. Officials had earlier reported about 160 "probable" swine flu deaths.
Of the 26 dead, Cordova said, 16 were women. The 26 ranged in age from 21 to 40, a relatively young set of victims. By comparison, seasonal flu, which kills as many as 36,000 people a year in the United States, mostly strikes the frail and elderly.
Mexico's previous confirmed swine flu toll, released on Sunday, was 22 dead and 568 infected.
With the epidemic apparently waning, Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard announced that restaurants will be able to reopen on Wednesday, ending a five-day period during which all nonessential businesses and government offices were shuttered to help contain the virus.
Ebrard said churches and museums would reopen Thursday. Cantinas, nightclubs, cinemas and theaters are to remain closed until further notice.
The government later said most schools, which have been closed for a week, would not reopen until May 11. Younger students will stay out until then, but those over 15 will return Thursday, officials said.
"Mexico is trying to return to normalcy as soon as possible," Mexican President Felipe Calderón said in a televised interview Sunday night.
Booth reported from Mexico City.
