The World Health Organisation has dismissed claims that more than 150 people have died after contracting swine flu, the potentially deadly virus that has hit Mexico.
Vivienne Allan, from the World Health Organisation's (WHO) patient safety program, said the organisation had recorded just seven deaths from the virus in Mexico, and 79 confirmed cases around the world.
Reports have suggested the death toll from the virus in Mexico has hit 152, while the number of cases under observation in Mexico alone has reportedly reached 1614.
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"That figure is not a figure that's come from the World Health Organisation and, I repeat, the death toll is seven and they are all from Mexico.''
Ms Allan said WHO had confirmed 40 cases of swine flu in the Americas, 26 in Mexico, six in Canada, two in Spain, two in the UK and three in New Zealand.
Ms Allan said it was difficult to measure how fast the virus was spreading.
"There is no pattern that has emerged at this stage to be able to say that it is spreading in a particular way or it is spreading into a particular country ... the situation is continuing to evolve,'' she said.
She said the WHO was not recommending against overseas travel, but urged those who felt sick to stay home and others to ensure they kept their hands clean.
"This virus is not airborne, it's caused by droplets ... so it's not a time for worry. It's a time to be prepared,'' Ms Allan said.
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