Mexico says flu could have big economic impact

WASHINGTON, April 26 (Reuters) - Mexican Finance Minister Agustin Carstens said on Sunday the outbreak of swine flu could have a big impact on Mexico's economy, although it was too soon to say how significant the effect might be.

"This issue can have an important impact on the economy, although the most important impact is the one on human life and human well being," Finance Minister Agustin Carstens told reporters.

"At this stage, without ignoring that this is a very serious matter and that it has a high potential for disruption, I would say that it's early to give a more concrete opinion," he said.

Carstens spoke at a news conference after a meeting of the IMF and World Bank's joint Development Committee. (Reporting by Lesley Wroughton; Writing by Tim Ahmann)