Starbucks closes 10 Mexico City cafes due to flu outbreak

New York City Starbucks Corp. has shut down 10 of its cafes in Mexico City in response to the swine flu outbreak. One of its employees in the city is also currently being treated for flu symptoms.

The chain said it has not been confirmed whether the employee has the same strain as the swine flu now suspected in up to 103 deaths in Mexico, where the outbreak appears to have begun.

Starbucks said in a statement that it closed the stores "pursuant to instructions from the Mexican government." Most of the stores are near such major population centers as shopping malls and universities.

Starbucks operates 259 stores in Mexico.