EU ready to help Ukraine cope with flu outbreak

The European Union says it is coordinating closely with health experts in Ukraine to help it cope with a suspected swine flu outbreak.

EU spokeswoman Nina Papadoulaki says the EU is "following very closely" the spread of the flu virus in Ukraine, which neighbors the 27-nation bloc.

She said Wednesday many EU member states are ready to provide logistical and medical support to Ukrainian authorities. Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia have already said they will send disinfectants, vaccines and respirators to help Ukraine.

The World Health Organization fears most cases in Ukraine are due to the H1N1 swine flu virus.