The Provincial Ministry of Health is warning those who have travelled to Mexico recently to watch closely for signs of respiratory illness.

     The warning comes as an outbreak of a strain of Swine Flu killed 81 people and sickened thousands more in Mexico.  There are now reports of swine flu cases turning up in Nova Scotia and British Columbia; those cases are currently under investigation.

     Provincial health officials are advising the public to visit a doctor if they experience flu-like symptoms shortly after returning from Mexico.  Anyone with health concerns is asked to call the Provincial Healthline at (877) 800-0002.

     They add that one of the best ways to prevent the spread of any flu virus is frequent handwashing.