October 16, 2009. Government Warning Issued for Mexico
| SOURCE: | U.S. Department of State |
U.S. Consulate General Monterrey issued the following Warden Message on October 14:
This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or swine flu. Nationwide, the Mexican Secretariat of Health (SALUD) reports 39,489 H1N1 cases and 255 deaths since the virus emerged last spring. Currently, a second major wave of AH1N1 is affecting the country's northern states, where case numbers were low during the initial outbreak. However, Chiapas, Mexico City and Yucatan still claim the highest number of overall suspected and confirmed cases. Mexican authorities have launched a public awareness campaign and are working to increase testing lab capacity and knowledge of the disease. The Government of Mexico is working to acquire vaccinations for H1N1. American citizens are advised to monitor local news and SALUD announcements for updates on vaccine availability.
Travelers can expect screening for flu-like symptoms upon entry and exit from Mexico. If you are quarantined or placed in isolation due to 2009-H1N1 influenza, please contact the Consulate General at the number below and let us know, so we can monitor your situation. However, please be aware that the Consulate General cannot demand your immediate release if you have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities.
Due to legal restrictions and a lack of sufficient resources, the Consulate General is not in a position to provide private citizens with pandemic-related supplies, medications or medical treatment, including vaccines, and cannot provide specific medical advice. Questions and concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.
For more information on how to prepare for a severe pandemic, please see the State Department "Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet" and "Options During a Pandemic" flyer located on http://www.travel.state.gov/. Detailed information about 2009-H1N1 influenza can be found on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, the U.S. Government's federal influenza website at http://www.flu.gov/, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.
U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Mexico are encouraged to register with the Consulate General through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/, to obtain updated travel and security information. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the Consulate General. Registration is important; it allows the Consulate General and the State Department to assist you in an emergency.
Copyright © 2009, U.S. Department of State