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60 Mexico flu deaths raise global epidemic fears


MEXICO CITY: Mexican authorities said 60 people may have died from a swine flu virus in Mexico, and world health officials worry it could unleash a global flu epidemic. Mexico City closed schools across the metropolis on Saturday in hopes of containing the outbreak that has sickened more than 900.

The World Health Organization was looking closely at the 60 deaths, most of them in or near Mexico's capital. It wasn't yet clear what flu they died from, but spokesman Thomas Abraham said "We are very, very concerned."

WHO raised its internal alert system on Friday, preparing to divert more money and personnel to dealing with the outbreak.

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