May 1, 2009. Additional Countries Worldwide Report Cases of Swine Flu
| SOURCE: | Air Security International |
As of 1 May 2009 more cases of H1N1 swine flu have been reported in multiple locations throughout the world, including Japan, Spain and Canada. Although there have been no additional reports of deaths in Mexico, health officials in the country confirmed 52 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 312. Mexico's Health Secretary Jose Cordova expressed optimism, based on the fact that the number of hospitalizations for the illness has decreased since 20 April, although World Health Organization (WHO) officials have cautioned that it is too soon to determine any trends. On 1 May the country began a planned five-day suspension of all non-essential business; schools and many businesses remained closed. There have been no reports of plans to close Mexican airports. As doctors are screening passengers for symptoms of swine flu on international flights prior to departure, travelers should arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flights. Long lines have been reported in the commercial terminals at many Mexican airports. No U.S.-based airlines have suspended flights to Mexico, though several have temporarily reduced the number of Mexico-bound flights in response to a precipitous drop in demand for tickets. Most U.S. airlines are providing flexible options for passengers wishing to postpone or cancel flights to Mexico.
In the United States, the number of suspected and confirmed cases rose, although the reported cases have been less severe than in Mexico. Health officials reported that the United States will receive new flu tests that will provide faster results. Schools across the U.S. continued to close in order to prevent an outbreak. The most recent report from the U.S. Department of Education stated that the number of school closures totaled 298.
On an international level, many countries continued to enact measures to control the spread of the flu virus, with airports and border patrols stepping up the screening of passengers arriving from countries where infections have been reported. Peru has canceled all flights to and from Mexico, although officials retracted an earlier report that the first H1N1 case was detected in the country. Although travelers may experience delays due to the increased number of screenings, there are no plans to close the U.S.-Mexico border.
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