MEXICO CITY (AP) -- The first confirmed cases of swine flu in the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region come as the World Health Organization says it's no longer possible to contain it.
The virus, which began in Mexico, is suspected in more than 150 deaths there. It's spread to at least six other countries, and WHO has raised its alert level to 4. That's two steps below pandemic stage.
New Zealand has confirmed the virus in 11 people who recently returned from Mexico, and a man in Israel has also been confirmed with swine flu.
Spain today confirmed its second case.
With the virus spreading, the U.S., with 50 cases, is preparing for the worst even as President Barack Obama tries to reassure Americans.
It's still not possible, thus far, to determine where the breakout started.
None of the cases outside Mexico have been fatal.
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