Ministry monitoring swine flu pandemic 

Source: ReutersThis colourised image depicts the A H1N1 swine flu virus from a previous outbreak in 1976

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The Ministry of Health has issued an alert following an outbreak of swine flu in Mexico and the US, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned could start a global epidemic.

More than 80 people in Mexico are believed to have died and over 1300 are sick as a result of catching swine flu which has led to the closure of schools in Mexico City.

The ministry in New Zealand says it continues to be in contact with the WHO and was liaising with Australia over its response at this stage was.

"We are implementing the early stages of our pandemic response plan," a spokesman says.

Ministry of Health advisor Dr Greg Simmons says Customs are on the look out for people arriving in the country with flu-like illnesses.

He says the ministry is concerned, but not alarmed.

Scientists have warned for years about the potential for an influenza pandemic, the mixing of animal and human viruses into a deadly mutant strain capable of jumping the species barrier.

Now there's concern from New Zealand's top virologist, that H1N1 could potentially be that strain.

"What we've learned from influenza is to expect the unexpected, so yes i'm concerned about this virus. It is a novel virus and it is likely to spread globally," says Dr Lance Jnnings.

There have also been cases of the swine flu reported in New York, California and Kansas and a British Airways pilot has been hospitalised in London with flu symptoms after returning from Mexico.

However there's one reassuring fact so far, in New York the virus has not proven fatal.

America's Centre for Disease Control has genetically matched a 'seed stock' to the new virus, raising the potential for a vaccine, although that would take time.

It's also believed prescription flu drugs Tamilfu and Relenza may well be effective against the new strain if taken early.

The Health Ministry confirms it still has 800,000 doses of Tamiflu stockpiled since the 2005 Bird Flu threat.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Tony Ryall has held urgent talks with ministry officials about the deadly flu outbreak.

Ryall has met with the officials on Sunday afternoon, after students from Rangitoto College returned from Mexico with flu-like symptoms.

Have you been affected by the swine influenza? Are you a relative of one of the people affected? Email us at news@tvnz.co.nz .