As of May 17, 2009, 39 countries have officially reported 8,480 cases of the H1N1 flu. The United States has reported 4,714 confirmed cases in 47 states (including the District of Columbia), and four confirmed deaths. On May 15, 2009, CDC downgraded its Travel Health Warning to a Travel Health Precaution for Mexico. The Travel Health Warning, which recommended delaying non-essential travel to Mexico, had been in effect since April 27, 2009.
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. As a result, CDC removed its recommendation that U.S. travelers avoid travel to Mexico.
CDC recommends that travelers at high risk for complications from any form of influenza discuss with their physicians the risks and benefits of travel in the context of their planned itinerary to Mexico, and may want to consider postponing travel. Travelers at high risk for complications include:
Children less than 5 years old
Persons aged 65 years or older
Children and adolescents (less than 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection
Pregnant women
Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders
Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV)
Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
Please continue to check EGA’s website, http://www.ega-inc.com/, for updates to this situation. As experts in pandemic flu preparedness, EGA can assist you with any questions you have about preparing your organization for a pandemic.