The 2009 swine flu outbreak is the epidemic spread of a new strain of influenza virus that was clinically identified in April 2009. The new virus strain is a type of influenza A (H1N1) virus, commonly called the swine flu. The outbreak has also been called the H1N1 influenza, 2009 H1N1 flu, Mexican flu, or swine-origin influenza. It is currently a phase 5 outbreak, one level below an official pandemic.
Although the exact time and location of the outbreak is unknown, it is believed to have been first detected when an influenza-like illness was reported by both health agencies and local news media in Mexico, some of whom have accused Smithfield Foods as being responsible for the outbreak due to intensive pig farming practices.
