Swine Flu Mexican Deaths At 152 WHO Says Can't Contain

Britain's Foreign & FCO Commonwealth Office recommends against traveling to Mexico, unless it's very essential. "We now advise against all but essential travel to Mexico." Other countries around the world also began tightening their border and immigration controls Tuesday as the number of confirmed cases of swine flu continued to rise. According to NY Times "Other cases have been reported in Ohio, Kansas, Texas and California. In addition, The Associated Press reported that preliminary tests by health officials in New Jersey had identified five “probable” cases — four people who were recently in Mexico and one who had been in California. Spanish Health Minister Trinidad Jiménez on Tuesday said Spain had confirmed a second case of swine flu, in the eastern province of Valencia, but that the patient was recovering well."

The World Health Organization yesterday updating and raising the level of influenza pandemic alert said that it can't contain the swine flu and the efforts are directed toward mitigating the disease. "Given the widespread presence of the virus, the Director-General considered that containment of the outbreak is not feasible. The current focus should be on mitigation measures."

However, WHO said it recommended not to close borders and not to restrict international travel. It was considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention. Vaccines are being developed at this time.

Mexico Travel Summary Updated On April 27 by the Britain's Foreign & FCO Commonwealth Office.

• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 4 (evidence of increased human to human transmission). See the WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html for further details.

• We are now advising against all but essential travel to Mexico.

• Routine Consular and all Visa Services at the Embassy in Mexico City have been suspended until further notice. British Nationals in Mexico, who have an urgent consular issue should call the Embassy on (01 55) 5242 8500 for assistance.

• British nationals resident in or visiting Mexico may wish to consider whether they should remain in Mexico at this time.

• British Nationals should continue to follow local advice on precautions to take to avoid exposure to the influenza.

• Cases of swine influenza have been reported in Mexico City and a number of other locations across the country. Travellers should consult a doctor immediately if they show signs of flu-like symptoms.

The Mexican Secretariat of Health has advised people to avoid large crowds, shaking hands and kissing people as a greeting. Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other persons and frequent hand washing may decrease the risk of exposure. The Mexicans have closed educational establishments across the country. Museums and other public venues and events have been closed or postponed.