Just in case you all wanted to know or might be worried from hearing stuff on the news here is what the CDC has to say. Oh and I always get e-mails from the gov when things are bad so Ill also show you what those had to say. Any U.S. citizens out there that do not get the e-mails from your consular office you should sign up for them, they just let you know what is going on in your area and what you should watch out for. They are non alarming and simply give you the facts. I usually send them to my family also to keep them calm about what is really going on down here because what they hear is usually blown out of proportion.
Ill show you the e-mail first, they sent me another one saying Mexico city schools and public areas are now closed until May 6th. And just so you know Mexico city is 12 hours away from us and they have not detected the flu in my area yet. Although the workers at my husbands work are being cautioned to wear masks because they have so much traffic through there.
Dear Wardens,
Although we have received no reports of flu concerns in our consular district, we are sharing the Mission Mexico warden message with you. Please let us know if you become aware of any illnesses in your area.
Regards,
Janie Friedlein
ACS Chief
American Citizens Services
U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara
Picture (Device Independent Bitmap)
United States Consulate General Guadalajara
PLEASE CIRCULATE THIS IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT TO
AS MANY AMERICAN CITIZENS AS POSSIBLE
Warden Message #06 FY2009
April 24, 2009
Flu Outbreak in Mexico
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico advises that as a precaution, Mexican authorities closed all schools in the Federal District and in the State of Mexico on April 24, 2009 as the Mexican Secretariat of Health announced hundreds of cases of flu in the country, some of which may be the H1N1 strain of “swine flu”. Some other public institutions, such as museums and government offices, are also closed. Exact numbers of the people infected with the various strains of flu are unavailable. The U.S. Embassy has no additional information about closures.
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. 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 link: 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.
For additional information, please consult the CDC website at www.cdc.gov, or the website of the World Health Organization at www.who.int. The U.S. Embassy will also post additional information as it becomes available at: www.usembassy-mexico.gov.
And here is what the CDC says:
Current Situation
Since March 18, 2009, the Government of Mexico has reported an increase in the number of cases of influenza-like-illness. occurring in several areas of Mexico. Please visit the website of the World Health Organization, for further details about these cases.
CDC has confirmed that seven of 14 respiratory specimens from patients sent to the CDC by the Mexican National Influenza Center are positive for swine influenza virus and are similar to the swine influenza viruses recently identified in the US.
CDC and state public and animal health authorities are currently investigating 20 cases of swine flu in humans in California, Texas, Kansas, Ohio, and New York City. Some of the US cases have been linked to travel to Mexico. At this time only two of the 20 cases in the US have been hospitalized and all have recovered.
This investigation is still in the early stages. Further updates to this investigation and any related travel recommendations will be posted on www.cdc.gov/travel when available.
CDC Recommendations
CDC has NOT recommended that people avoid travel to Mexico at this time. If you are planning travel to Mexico, follow these recommendations to reduce your risk of infection and help you stay healthy.
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