No swine flu cases reported in Venezuela

Venezuela's Health Minister said Saturday (April 25) night that no cases of swine flu had been reported and recommended increased airport checks in response to an outbreak of swine flu in Mexico and the United States.

Jesus Mantilla, Venezuela's Health Minister, said Saturday night on state television that the government will strengthen its "health control mechanisms in airports to avoid the epidemic spreading to Venezuela."

Mantilla also recommended that travellers should avoid visiting the US and Mexico, if possible.

The Health Minister said that no cases of swine flu had been reported in Venezuela and the government was closely monitoring the situation in the US and Mexico.

At least 81 people in Mexico have died from severe pneumonia caused by the illness, according to the World Health Organization.