Mexico City mayor says swine flu outbreak stabilizing in capital with 1 more death

Mexico City mayor: 1 more death, toll stabilizing

MEXICO CITY — Mexico City’s mayor says the swine flu outbreak seems to be stabilizing, with one more death since he spoke last. If the death toll keeps tapering off, he says he will consider easing the citywide shutdown.

Mayor Marcelo Ebrard has closed down virtually all aspects of public life at the epicenter of the epidemic, at tremendous cost to the economy. But he says human life must be protected.

He says that if the tendency continues, he will consult world health authorities before lowering the city’s maximum alert level and easing up on the closure of public events and places.

Mexico says swine flu is now suspected in 159 deaths, and nearly 2,500 illnesses. It’s not clear if the latest death is included in the overall numbers.