BOGOTA - COLOMBIA has detected its first human case of Influenza A (H1N1) flu, commonly known as swine flu, local media reported early on Sunday.

The 42-year-old man infected by the A(H1N1) flu lives in the town of Zipaquira, not far from the capital Bogota, according to the reports.

The media said the Colombian government planned to make a formal announcement about the discovery at 7.00 am (8.00 pm Singapore time).

If the finding is confirmed, Colombia will join the list of 16 other countries that have officially reported 658 cases of H1N1 infection, according to the World Health Organisation.

Mexico, at the epicentre of the H1N1 outbreak, said the national death toll had reached 19. The country also has 454 infected patients.

The United States has reported 160 confirmed cases across 21 states, including one death.

In Canada, some 30 new cases were reported on Saturday, bringing the total number of people infected throughout the country to more than 85.

Is this article useful to you?