WHO confirms 658 swine flu cases worldwide

The World Health Organization said on Sunday it had confirmed a total of 658 H1N1 flu infections in 16 countries, including 16 deaths in Mexico. According to its figures, 397 people have been infected in Mexico, and 160 in the US, the two countries most affected by the virus widely known as swine flu.

The WHO's toll lags national reports about the virus but is considered more scientifically secure. The Mexican government said Saturday that 19 deaths had been confirmed. Authorities in the country had previously made an estimate of 176 suspected deaths. There has been one US death. (Reuters)