Bangladesh was on alert, said the health minister Monday, as global flu fears spread.

AFM Ruhul Haq told bdnews24.com that different entry points across the country had been cautioned to watch for anyone entering the country with symptoms of the new virus, which had killed 103 people in Mexico, spread to North America and was confirmed to have reached Europe by Monday.

"We have asked authorities to isolate anyone that shows signs of the flu," said the minister.

"We have also asked local WHO officials to help us to detect any cases of the virus throughout the country."

The World Health Organization has warned of a possible global pandemic triggered by the deadly new virus strain, dubbed 'Mexico flu' by the international media.

The US declared a public health emergency on Sunday as 20 people were diagnosed with the flu across the country. Cases have also been reported in New Zealand and Spain.

GlaxoSmithKline Plc, the world's second biggest drugmaker, has said it is urgently seeking ways to increase production of Relenza, one of two medicines found to be effective against the new flu strain.

The threat will provide a windfall for some makers of drugs and vaccines.

Meanwhile, world stocks tumbled on Monday after seven weeks of gains as flu concerns intensified. Analysts fear a flu pandemic could force countries further into recession.

source:bdnews24.com