The swine flu outbreak in Mexico has killed at least 150 people and spread to nations as far away as New Zealand and Spain.
In Sickness and in Health
Erika Cruz, left, helps her husband Miguel Anguel Esquivel walk toward the emergency entrance of Mexico City's National Institute of Respiratory Illnesses. Esquivel was grunting, sweating and wearing tissue paper in his ears as the couple hurried to the hospital, with him showing symptoms of the influenza virus that has plagued the cityJulio Cortez / AP / Houston Chronicle
Taking a Stand
The Aztec Stadium, one of the world's largest soccer stadiums, sits empty as America plays Tecos in a Mexican League game. Thousands of fans had to forgo their beloved weekly tradition Sunday, forced by the flu outbreak to cheer from their living rooms instead of the sun-soaked seatsGregory Bull / AP
Taking Cover
A soldier hands out masks in central Mexico City. The E.U.'s health commissioner on Monday urged Europeans to postpone nonessential travel to Mexico and the U.S. The illness has claimed at least 152 lives, confined hundreds to hospitals and brought Mexico City, one of the world's largest cities, to a virtual standstillALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP / Getty
The Mask of Mexico
A Mexican policeman patrols Mexico City's historic Zócalo square. José Ángel Córdova, the Mexican Health Secretary, said suspected swine flu cases in his country had risen to 1,614Eliana Aponte / Reuters
Quick Embrace
A couple attempts to kiss. Across Mexico, more than 1,300 people were tested for suspected swine flu infection and 400 were taken to hospital for checks. Health officials believe that tens of thousands, and possibly more, have been infected but have since recoveredALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP / Getty
Fears of a Clown
A clown wears a surgical mask as a precaution against infection. "[We are] monitoring, minute by minute, the evolution of this problem across the whole country," said Mexican President Felipe Calderón. The World Bank on Sunday approved $205 million in loans to fight the outbreak in MexicoMarco Ugarte / AP
Praying for Better Times
People wearing protective masks pay respects to Our Lady of Guadalupe as they pass Guadalupe's shrine at the Basilica de Guadalupe. Mexico's biggest Catholic church was shut down and masses canceled as a precaution to keep large crowds away. Many public buildings, including schools, have also been closedJulio Cortez / AP / Houston Chronicle
Waiting for Takeoff
Passenger Maria Pia, of Uruguay, wears a protective mask as she waits for her flight at the airport in Mexico City. Health workers are screening airports and bus stations for people taken ill by a new strain of swine flu that experts fear could become a global pandemicMarco Ugarte / AP
Hoping for Help
Lazaro Gonzalez, 40, wears a protective mask as he waits for passersby to donate money to him. Health experts say the virus comes from the same strain that causes seasonal outbreaks in humans. But they claim this newly detected version contains genetic material from versions of flu that usually affect pigs and birdsJulio Cortez / AP / Houston Chronicle
Soccer Shuts Up Shop
Riot police stand in front of Mexico's National Autonomous University soccer stadium, which was closed to the public shortly before a game between Chivas and the Pumas. Although the game was a sellout, the famous volcanic-rock bleachers were empty, owing to the crisis. This will mean reimbursing more than $500,000 to ticketholders and losing additional money in concessions, especially beer salesMarco Ugarte / AP
