Until results are confirmed by the CDC (or the Microbiology Lab and PHAC in Canada), the cases are not added to the list of swine flu positives.
Only about half of the cases in Mexico have been confirmed as yet; the others are 'probables'. Not sure where their tests are carried out, but some were done at the CDC; they probably have a lab of their own.

The practical precautions recommended at Univ. Arizona are those found at the CDC (U. S.) and PHAC (Canada) websites; other measures such as the cloth and paper masks are not really effective.

VP Biden is being scolded for his suggestions, but like him I would avoid crowds, and air travel where much of the air is recirculated, if for no other reason than to avoid catching something else as well- so I sympathize with Janie.

Mexico has ordered a shutdown of all non-essential business for five days; along with the scarcity of vacationers at the resorts, many Mexicans are without income.
On the news tonight, a doctor from Emory University Hospital said the reason for the deaths in Mexico is as yet unknown, but itemized several possible reasons.