Switzerland has confirmed its first death from swine flu. A five-year-old child died in a Basel hospital after being infected with the A(H1N1) virus which causes the flu (known as Mexican flu in the Netherlands).

Lithuania has also suffered its first fatality from the virus, a 14-year-old boy in Kaunas. Cases of the flu have been confirmed throughout Europe and only a few European countries have so far escaped flu-related deaths. They include Denmark, Estonia and Romania.
 

In the UK, a survey has revealed that there is widespread resistance to vaccination against A (H1N1). The survey, conducted in general practitioner's surgeries, showed that more than 50 percent of those eligible for vaccination against A(H1N1) refused due to fears about side-effects or the belief that the virus is too weak to warrant vaccination.

GPs say the vast majority of pregnant women refuse to be inoculation; just five percent have agreed to be vaccinated. A government campaign promoting vaccination started last month.