Spain confirmed the first swine flu case in Europe while another 17 people are suspected, Spanish Health minister informed, quoted by Reuters. Spanish Health minister Trinidad Jimenez declared that flu tests were positive for a patient in Almensa, South East Spain.

Spain registered the first swine flu case in Europe as the number of people presenting similar symptoms increased. The victim is a 23 year old male who came back from Mexico on April 22. He was hospitalized on Saturday.

UPDATE 1 (2:34 PM) An Italian woman is suspected of swine flu and is hospitalized in Venice. She returned from a trip to the US.

UPDATE 2 (2:38 PM) Five Swiss citizens returning from Mexico are also suspected, AFP informs.