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Swine Influenza A/H1N1 Infection 
May 15, 2009 The, "CDC has been monitoring the ongoing outbreak of novel H1N1 flu in Mexico and, with the assistance of the Mexican authorities, has obtained a more complete picture of the outbreak. There is evidence that the Mexican outbreak is slowing down in many cities though not all. In addition, the United States and other countries are now seeing increasing numbers of cases not associated with travel to Mexico. Finally, the risk of severe disease from novel H1N1 virus infection now appears to be less than originally thought. At this time, CDC has removed its recommendation that U.S. travelers avoid travel to Mexico." As of May 15, 2009, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) indicates that there have been 7,520 laboratory confirmed human cases of H1N1 flu. Of these cases, 2,446 have been reported from Mexico, 4,298 from the United States and 449 from Canada. WHO continues to recommend that nations not impose travel restrictions. While the WHO pandemic alert is currently at phase 5, this designation is based on the geographic spread of the virus and not on its severity which, so far, has been mild for most of those affected. While the CDC has downgraded its travel warning, and the H1N1 flu appears mild at this point, travel agents are encouraged to continue counseling travelers on ways to prevent health risks when traveling. Travelers can protect themselves and others by continuing to follow simple prevention practices that apply while traveling and in daily life. Regular hand-washing, normal cough etiquette, avoiding contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections–these are a few of the steps travelers can take.
May 03, 2009 Cruise lines have begun employing enhanced screening procedures to help prevent the introduction and/or spread of the H1N1 virus (swine flu) onboard ships, said the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). All passengers will be required to complete and sign a written questionnaire prior to boarding a ship operated by a CLIA member. CLIA said member lines will perform a secondary screening if a passenger reports flu-like symptoms, and that passengers "will not be permitted to travel if they exhibit influenza-like-illness or meet the suspect case conditions for Influenza A (H1N1) as defined by CDC." The cruise industry instituted similar screening protocols during the outbreak of SARS in Asia in 2003, CLIA noted.
May 01, 2009 In response to significantly lower demand because of the H1N1 swine flu crisis, Continental Airlines said it would reduce capacity by 50% on flights to Mexico in May, effective May 4. Flight departures will be reduced by 40%. Reductions are being implemented by using smaller aircraft on flights to Mexico or by reducing the frequency of flights to any one destination, said Continental. Normally, Continental operates an average of 450 flights per week to Mexico. The airline serves 29 destinations in the country. "We were already experiencing soft market conditions due to the economy, and now our Mexico routes in particular have extra weakness," said Continental CEO Larry Kellner. "Our plan going forward will be to continue to monitor demand levels we are seeing and adjust our capacity and costs accordingly." April 29, 2009 As of 27APR, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. The United States Department of State Travel Alert notes the CDC action as well as actions by the Mexican government and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico. The U.S. - Mexico border remains open at all approved crossing points. Virtually all air carriers have announced significant waiver policies allowing passengers to delay ticketed travel to Mexico; flight schedules have not been impacted at this point. Most tour operators have announced policies on delaying scheduled travel to Mexico and are providing guidance to those in Mexico or planning to travel. As of 28APR, many cruise lines have temporarily suspended port calls in Mexico for the immediate future. Please consult a Passageways professional in regard to your Mexico travel plans.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html |
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