Slovakia is closing all but one of its border crossings with Ukraine because of the swine flu epidemic there which has claimed 135 lives. Nearly 900,000 people in Ukraine are infected with the A(H1N1) virus which causes the flu (known as Mexican flu in the Netherlands).

The measure is designed to stop the spread of swine flu to Slovakia and the rest of Europe. Slovakia's eastern border is also that of the European Union. Doctors have been stationed at the one border crossing which is still open to check travellers for flu symptoms.

image: Slovakia (Wikipedia)