InsideJapan News Network

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged Japan to set an example for the rest of the world in how it deals with the swine flu outbreak.

Medical officer Nahoko Shindo welcomed the moves already taken by the government and said the Japanese cases of the disease "are being closely watched worldwide", Kyodo News International reports.

"We hope Japan will set an example," she added.

Thanks to preparation and training in advance of swine flu hitting the country information was passed on quickly and transparently, Ms Shindo explained, adding that the accuracy of diagnoses in the country should also be recognised.

Last month a meeting of the WHO's emergency committee found that the current swine flu situation constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern" and called on all countries to be on the lookout for cases.

Written by Mike Smith.