World Briefs: Group wants to drop "swineâ€

Group wants

GENEVA — The World Health Organization announced Thursday it will would stop using the term "swine flu” to avoid confusion over the danger posed by pigs. It will instead refer to the virus by its technical scientific name H1N1 influenza A. The swine flu virus originated in pigs, but in the current outbreak, WHO says the virus is being spread from human to human.

Officials urge vaccine work

LUXEMBOURG — European Union health ministers agreed Thursday to work "without delay” with drugmakers to develop a pilot vaccine to fight swine flu. The ministers also agreed to step up sharing health data such as treatment and prevention measures in the wake of the spread.

Book sales up amid flu scare

NEW YORK — The swine flu outbreak has boosted sales for an acclaimed history of the 1918 pandemic, and helped biologist Nathan Wolfe get a six-figure deal for a book about viruses. As of Thursday afternoon, John M. Barry’s "The Great Influenza,” which came out five years ago, had climbed to No. 99 on Amazon.com’s best-seller list.

School sports hit by outbreak

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The swine flu outbreak has forced the cancellation or postponement of sporting events across the country, affecting everything from prep contests in Texas and Alabama to a college baseball road trip in Delaware. The flu’s impact hasn’t yet hit major league sports.

From Wire Services