For the first time in more than 20 years, the federal government has cancelled classes at all levels (from kindergarten up to university). The Minister of Health is investigating 943 cases and estimates that the virus has already killed 16 people so far in April.

"We are faced with a new influenza virus, whose symptoms are: fever over 39 degrees, cough, severe headache, muscle aches and joints, irritation of the eyes and nasal discharge" said Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova, on Thursday night.

While the authorities recognized investigating 16 "suspicious" deaths, the World Health Organization says that there are about 800 suspected cases of swine flu, with 57 deaths in the region of Mexico and similar reported cases in the San Luis Potosi region in the center of the country.