Swine flu outbreak easing in Mexico, says minister

Mexico City, May 4 (RIA Novosti) The Mexican government has said the swine flu outbreak has peaked in the country and is now in decline, with a confirmed human death toll of 22.

Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova told reporters Sunday: 'The evolution of the epidemic is now in a phase of decline.'

According to the latest data, 22 people have died of swine flu and 578 people have been infected with the virus. Health authorities had earlier suspected over 150 fatalities due to the virus.

The spread of the virus peaked between April 23 and 28, Cordova said. Seven men and 15 women have died, mainly in the Mexico City.

The number of swine flu cases worldwide has reached 898, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said.