NEW : Eighty-two cases of swine flu confirmed by health officials worldwide . The WHO says the virus is highly contagious and can be spread through close contact with infected pigs or other animals such as birds, dogs and cats. President Obama said Monday that the swine flu outbreak is a `` cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert , '' but is not a `` cause for alarm . '' Mexico health official : As many as 149 deaths may be from swine flu . Mexico closes all schools until at least May 6 .
NEW : Eighty-two cases of swine flu confirmed by health officials worldwide . The WHO says the virus is highly contagious and can be spread through close contact with infected pigs or other animals such as birds, dogs and cats. Mexico health official : As many as 149 deaths may be from swine flu . Mexico closes all schools until at least May 6 .