Swine flu – Updated: No tourist affected by the H1N1 virus Mexico Tourism Board • Photos by Jesús de Avila • May 02 2009
The Mexico Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism are reporting that no tourists have been effected by the H1N1 virus, now entering into phase 5. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not ordered for the borders to Mexico be closed, nor have they made any travel restrictions to Mexico.
The Mexican Government has taken aggressive preventive measures that are directly in line with those recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for this level of crisis, including massive distribution of facemasks by members of the military and closures of schools, public events, theaters and restaurants.
The government has prepared its public call centers (1-800-44-Mexico) with proper information to attend, assist and inform the public.
The CDC in Atlanta said that there are two antiviral drugs that the H1N1 virus is susceptible to and are now being successfully used for the treatment of people infected in the United States and Mexico.
Mexico's Secretary of Tourism, Rodolfo Elizondo, expressed that the ministry is working with federal authorities to confront this health crisis in a coordinated manner. "We have launched a communication strategy in order to keep the industry and tourists in the country informed on preventive measures."
It is essential to the Mexican government that all tourists receive accurate and timely information of the current situation to control the spread and to further protect the Public.
Teams of medical experts have been deployed to Mexico's airports to take precautionary measures for passengers entering and leaving the country, while also available to assist passengers who a need to receive medical attention.
Additionally, Oscar Fitch, CEO of the Mexico Tourism Board (MTB), said that "all offices of the MTB abroad are ensuring that both business partners and tourists who plan to travel to Mexico have all required official information."
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No rationale for travel restrictions
1 May 2009 -- WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus. Today, international travel moves rapidly, with large numbers of individuals visiting various parts of the world. Limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to the global community.
Influenza A(H1N1) has already been confirmed in many parts of the world. The focus now is on minimizing the impact of the virus through the rapid identification of cases and providing patients with appropriate medical care, rather than on stopping its spread internationally. Furthermore, although identifying the signs and symptoms of influenza in travelers can be an effective monitoring technique, it is not effective in reducing the spread of influenza as the virus can be transmitted from person to person before the onset of symptoms. Scientific research based on mathematical modeling indicates that restricting travel will be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease. Historical records of previous influenza pandemics, as well as experience with SARS, have validated this point.
Travelers can protect themselves and others by following simple recommendations related to travel aimed at preventing the spread of infection. Individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travelers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases and not only influenza A(H1N1).
• Mexico Tourism Board encourage you to use the following procedures to keep healthy:
• Avoid physical contact with those who are ill.
• Stay home if you feel ill.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
• Dispose of tissues immediately into covered trash bins.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands.
Reminder:
Federal Government has urged this aggressive preventive measure to protect Public’s Health and control the spread.
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The “swine flu” story might be overblown May 1st. 2009
Jack Cafferty, from CNN´s The Situation Room, thinks maybe the flu story has been overblown. He wrote in his blog that this news sells newspapers and gets ratings, “but when you take a look at the numbers, it seems like the story might be overblown”: In Mexico, officials have reported 2,500 cases and more than 150 deaths, but those numbers haven’t been confirmed. In the U.S., the WHO says there are 109 confirmed cases with 1 death. “Out of a population of more than 300 million people, that hardly seems to be cause for alarm,” he wrote. Please visit:
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Mexico's Secretary of Tourism, Rodolfo Elizondo, expressed that the ministry is working with federal authorities to confront this health crisis in a coordinated manner. "We have launched a communication strategy in order to keep the industry and tourists in the country informed on preventive measures."
1 May 2009 -- WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus. Today, international travel moves rapidly, with large numbers of individuals visiting various parts of the world. Limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to the global community. 
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