Swine flu infections rise to over 3,000 worldwide, says WHO

The swine flu infections in the US increased to 1,639 Friday, surpassing Mexico's total of 1,364 for the first time.

So far, 29 countries have confirmed cases of the deadly flu that left 48 people dead since the outbreak of the disease last month.

Mexico, the epicentre of the global outbreak of the flu, reported 45 deaths. The US reported two deaths, while Canada confirmed one death.

Officials said the number of swine flu cases is likely to grow.

WHO general director Margaret Chan said the global health organisation is prepared to face the epidemic.

Chain said the avian flu virus, which affected thousands of people in southwest Asia in 2005, had taught the world to prepare itself against calamities as devastating as the swine flu.

The improvement in the production of vaccines and isolation of suspected cases are some of the lessons learned from the past experiences, she said.

Individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travellers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures that can limit the spread of many communicable diseases, including influenza, WHO said on its website.