Swine flu emergency declared in Nicaragua

The government of Nicaragua declared a 60-day health emergency because of an upswing in the number of swine flu cases and deaths.

Health Minister Guillermo Gonzalez told the Radio Ya station that the measure was declared after the number of accumulated cases rose to 840 cases in August, and four women died.

Mr Gonzalez said most of the victims have been released from hospitals.

But the Central American nation suffered its first swine flu-related death on August 14.

Mr Gonzalez did not specify exactly what steps would be taken under the emergency alert, but said hospitals would be open to treat citizens at any time of day.