The huge buzz around Ledger's performance as the Joker last year stemmed from his update of the iconic character played by camp comedian Cesar Romero and as a hateful clown by Jack Nicholson.

CNN: Ledger fans demand the Joker retired from film

The virus had infected 44 people worldwide as of last week, most of them in the Middle East, according to the World Health Organization's most recent update Thursday.

CNN: New SARS-like virus is a 'threat to the entire world'

The death was announced last Thursday as part of the Department's weekly swine flu update.

BBC: Change to swine flu jab advice

The SP2 update for those using the Home Edition of XP was made available last week as a "trial", said the spokesperson, but Microsoft did not make it available automatically to all until Wednesday.

BBC: Microsoft said it was crucial PC users update