In an Associted Press story today, President Barack Obama says the spread of swine flu is a cause for concern but “not a cuase of alarm” and he’s staying on top of the problem.

The story said the President told a gathering of scientists Monday that the administration is “closely monitoring” cases of swine flu, how many people have it and what the threat is. Obama also said the American people can expect to get regular and frequent updates about what Washington is doing.

He said the swine flu threat dramatizes how the United States cannot allow itself to fall behind in scientific and medical research.

The strain of the swine flu is believed to have caused more than 100 deaths in Mexico.

In New York City, the mayor has asked people who are sick to stay home and remain in their homes. Reports are that at least 20 people in the U.S. have the flu, but no deaths have been reported in the U.S.