Spain Reports 1st Swine Flu Death; Mauritius Reports First Case of Disease

Spanish authorities say a pregnant 20-year-old woman has died from the H1N1 swine flu virus, becoming Spain's first fatality from the virus and the fourth in Europe.

The Moroccan woman was seven months pregnant when she died Tuesday at a Madrid hospital. Earlier, doctors performed a Cesarean section to save her premature baby, who was in good health but on a respirator.

Spain's Health Ministry says the mother suffered from asthma and died of a respiratory illness triggered by swine flu.

Britain reported its third swine flu death late Monday. The victim was a nine-year-old girl who officials say suffered underlying health problems.

Also, the Indian Ocean nation of Mauritius confirmed its first case of swine flu Monday in a visiting French tourist. Authorities say they confined the tourist to his room for five days and released him after treatment.

Mauritius is the eighth African nation to report swine flu after Cape Verde, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco and South Africa. Kenya confirmed its first swine flu case earlier Monday.

Saudi Arabia's Health Ministry on Tuesday warned elderly Muslims and pregnant women against undertaking the annual hajj pilgrimage in December due to the threat of catching the swine flu.

The World Health Organization said Monday around 70,900 cases of swine flu have been confirmed worldwide, including more than 311 deaths.

The total number of infections was up more than 10,000 from Friday's report by the United Nations health agency.

The WHO has declared an influenza pandemic and urged governments to prepare for a long-term battle against swine flu.