The difference between Germany and Italy is partly statistical: Germany's rate seems so much lower because it has tested widely.

In Italy at first, regional authorities tested widely and counted all positive results in the published total, even if people did not have symptoms.

Some people say they fear the new H1N1 vaccines have been rushed through medicine regulation processes and not tested widely enough.

Even South Korea and Germany, hailed for tested widely, are currently able to conduct up to 30,000 and 120,000 tests a day, respectively.