| | |  Health & Beauty | April 2009 
Update on Flu Outbreak in Mexico
 US Consulate General Guadalajara
The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) updated on April 26, 2009 a notice about H1N1 “swine” influenza and travel to Mexico. The notice does NOT recommend that people avoid travel to Mexico at this time, and suggests precautions travelers and U.S. citizen residents in Mexico can take to reduce their risk of infection. The notice can be found HERE.
On April 25, the Government of Mexico announced that as a precautionary measure, all schools from kindergarten through university level will remain closed until May 6 in the Federal District, State of Mexico, and San Luis Potosi. All government-sponsored events involving large crowds have also been canceled, and museums and most tourist attractions are closed.
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City will open on Monday morning, April 27, 2009, but all non-essential services to the public will be suspended. From Monday, April 27 through 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 Embassy’s 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(at)state.gov.
Finally, the Benjamin Franklin Library will be closed to the public next week.
All other operations at the U.S. consulates and consular agencies throughout Mexico will continue as normal.
These are precautionary measures only, taken to best assure the well-being of our clients and staff.
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:
mexico.usembassy.gov (Spanish)
mexico.usembassy.gov/eng (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 State Department’s website, the CDC website, or the World Health Organization website. The U.S.-based call center for U.S. citizens can be reached from 8 am–8 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: usembassy-mexico.gov.
Should you be afraid to travel to Puerto Vallarta? Health Care Resources Puerto Vallarta's Pamela Thompson has the latest news and health reports from around Banderas Bay. (Click HERE for local swine flu updates) |
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