Italy confirmed its first case of the H1N1 flu this afternoon, but said the patient had recovered after suffering very mild symptoms of the new virus.
Health Ministry Undersecretary Ferruccio Fazio, who heads the government's crisis unit on the flu, said a 50-year-old man had been hospitalised in the Tuscan city of Massa on April 27 after returning from Mexico City.
"He was complaining of shivers, muscular pains and cough, but had no fever," Fazio told a news conference, adding the man had later tested positive for the new influenza strain. He was treated with antiviral drugs and recovered.
Mr Fazio said there were 13 other suspected cases in Italy which were being checked. On top of that, a hostess and fellow crew members who flew back from Cancun earlier this week were being monitored.
"None of the cases under review is serious. This seems a particularly benign flu, with no risk of death," he said.