Q+A: Mexico hit by deadly new flu virus

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - A dangerous strain of flu never seen before has killed up to 60 people in Mexico and spread into the United States, where several people were reported ill.

Here are some questions and answers about the virus:

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED?

Mexico has confirmed 20 deaths from the flu and has 40 other possible fatalities and 1,004 people reported infected. Most of those who died are aged between 25 and 45.

In California and Texas, eight people were infected with the new strain, but all of them have recovered.

WHAT KIND OF FLU IS IT AND HOW IS IT SPREADING?

The virus is an influenza A virus, carrying the designation H1N1 and is spreading from person to person. It contains DNA from avian, swine and human viruses, including elements from European and Asian swine viruses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC.

The virus is being passed on by sneezing, coughing or physical contact. Though a link to swine flu was originally suspected, the Mexican government has now ruled out any risk of infection from eating pork.

HOW SERIOUS IS IT?