Many southwestern Connecticut families with ties to Mexico are worried about loved ones who could become stricken by swine flu.

Basilio Vasquez says he is concerned about his daughter, who lives in Mexico City, and her two children. Vasquez says neighbors of his daughter have contracted the virus, which has proven fatal in many Mexican cases.

Swine flu is suspected in up to 152 deaths in Mexico, with 20 deaths confirmed so far. The virus, which began in Mexico, has spread to at least six other countries, and the World Health Organization has raised its alert level to 4, two steps below the pandemic stage.

World Health Organization