Ecuador closes consulates in NY over flu fears

Reuters

QUITO, May 25 (Reuters) – Ecuador temporarily closed its two consulates in New York City on Monday over fears one of its workers contracted the H1N1 flu virus that has sparked fears of a global pandemic.

Ecuador’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said the consulates in the New York boroughs of Manhattan and Queens would remain shut until health authorities are able to confirm whether it is a case of the new swine flu virus.

The Andean country has confirmed 24 cases of the virus, mostly contracted by people who visited countries such as the United States and Mexico with the most confirmed cases, or who had close contact with travelers.