April 28, 2009 by Tim McDowell.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City issued the following Warden Message on 25 April 2009: “The governments of the United States and Mexico are working closely together to contain the current outbreak of H1N1 influenza. In accordance with measures announced by the City of Mexico to limit the congregation of large crowds, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City will suspend all non-essential consular services from Monday, April 27, 2009 through Thursday, April 30, 2009. On Friday May 1st the Embassy is closed for a local holiday.

“From Monday, April 27 to Thursday, April 30th, consular services for U.S. citizens will be limited to citizenship applications (passports and consular reports of birth abroad, or CRBA) and emergency assistance only. Notarial and other routine services will not be available; anyone with passport or CRBA appointments is encouraged but not required to reschedule to a later date. Additionally, the Federal Benefits Unit is requesting all persons to postpone interviews on Social Security claims.

“The Visa Unit will also suspend normal operations during this week. The Embassy will reschedule all visa applications which have been made for the week of April 27th. Our call center will call or e-mail applicants to reschedule appointments. Alternatively, applicants may re-schedule visa appointments without being charged by calling 01-800-719-2525. If there is an emergency visa issue please email visas_mexico@state.gov.

“Finally, the Benjamin Franklin Library will be closed to the public next week.

“These are precautionary measures only, taken to best assure the well-being of our clients and staff.

“The United States has imposed no additional constraints or limitations on travel between the United States and Mexico. Travelers are encouraged to comply with suggestions by Mexican public health officials and to be alert to good health and sanitation practices.

“The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Mexico that most cases of influenza are not ‘swine flu;’ any specific questions or concerns about flu or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. Mexico City medical authorities urge people to avoid hospitals and clinics unless they have a medical emergency, since hospitals are centers of infection; instead, those with health concerns are encouraged to stay home and call their physicians to avoid potential exposure. Although the U.S. Embassy cannot give medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at the following links: http://mexico.usembassy.gov/sacs_medical_info.html (Spanish)http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_medical_info.html (English)

“At this time the Mexican Secretariat of Health urges people to avoid large crowds, shaking hands, kissing people as a greeting, or using the subway. Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other persons may decrease the risk of exposure. In addition, the following prevention tips are from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website:

1. Avoid close contact.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick.

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3. Cover your mouth and nose.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands.

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits.

Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

“The U.S.-based call center for U.S. citizens can be reached from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time, M-F, at 1-888-407-4747, or if calling from outside the U.S., at (202)-501-4444. The U.S. Embassy will also post additional information as it becomes available at: www.usembassy-mexico.gov.”

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April 28, 2009 by Tim McDowell.

As of 27 April 2009 several countries are taking urgent steps to control the spread of swine flu. The new strain of influenza may have killed up to 103 people in Mexico; more than 1,600 people are believed to have been infected, with 400 of those requiring hospitalization. Fifteen states in Mexico and Mexico City have reported possible swine flu cases, with the highest numbers in San Luis Potosi, Mexico state and Mexico City. To prevent the spread of the virus, on 24 April Mexico City officials canceled all public events for 10 days. In addition, authorities have closed schools in Mexico City and in the states of Mexico and San Luis Potosi, intending to reopen them on 6 May.

In the United States, cases have been reported in California, Texas, New York, Ohio and Kansas. There have been no deaths in any of the confirmed infections, but health officials have expressed concern that a widespread outbreak could lead to more serious cases. U.S. officials have not indicated that a closure of the U.S.-Mexico border is planned, but airlines and border patrols have stepped up screenings of travelers from Mexico. The Department of Homeland Security has declared a national public health emergency.

Confirmed cases have also been reported in Canada, Spain and New Zealand, and suspected cases have been reported in the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, Hong Kong and Israel. So far, no governments or international institutions have banned travel to Mexico; however, officials in several countries have instituted measures to detect and screen passengers from Mexico and the U.S. who exhibit flu-like symptoms. Passengers with such symptoms may be quarantined. The European Union health commissioner has encouraged Europeans to postpone nonessential travel to the United States and Mexico.

The World Health Organization (WHO) will meet with medical experts on 28 April to discuss the possibility of raising its pandemic alert level. The alert level is currently at three, which denotes the discovery of a new strain of influenza. WHO officials stated that more epidemiological information was needed on the strain before a change to the current level could be considered.

MEDEX Global Group has issued the following recommendations:

Travelers should take precautions against infection by avoiding large crowds, limiting physical contact with others, avoiding public transportation and using proper hand washing techniques.

MEDEX also advises that generally, empiric treatment with Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or Zanamivir (Relenza) is recommended.

Anyone who comes into contact with a person experiencing flu-like symptoms should contact a health professional.

Travelers should follow local public health recommendations, particularly with the number of reported cases on the rise.

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