Flu halts film releases in Mexico

Several Hollywood studios are delaying the release of big budget movies in Mexico as a result of the swine flu outbreak in the country.

Tom Hanks's latest film Angels and Demons has been put back by four weeks and Terminator Salvation has been postponed by eight weeks.

The openings of Star Trek and Wolverine have also been affected.

Mexican health officials have shut cinemas to help contain the virus, which has spread to 12 countries.

Bars, restaurants and other workplaces are also being shut down by the Mexican government.

The delay come as Hollywood heads into the lucrative summer movie-going season.

It is thought Hollywood studios could lose millions of dollars as Mexico is ranked as one of the top 10 movie markets outside the US.

Swine flu cases have now been confirmed in 12 countries over three continents and is suspected in more than 160 deaths.

In cases outside Mexico, the virus does not appear to be severe, although one death has been confirmed in the US.