Swine Flu in Mexico
Apr 30th, 2009 | 07:36 PM
#62
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 589
Likes: 0
I don't think my comments were a cheap shot at all. Granted, Canada's health care system is much more accessible in outlying areas than Mexico's spotty network. But even the last president of the Canadian Medical Association spoke very negatively about the "growing a significant cost" associated with long wait times to see GPs and specialists alike (quote from a National Post article, Jan 15, 2008). It was those long wait times that led to higher infection rates and (more horribly) higher mortality rates. American health care costs its citizens a frightening amount of money, but when it comes to treating acute diseases no other country does it better.
Getting back to Qwovadis' original question, so far there have not been even any suspected cases of the swine flu in Cancun. That doesn't mean you are safe, exactly, but you probably won't be any more at risk there than you would be visiting Texas or Southern California. Wash your hands, avoid crowds, and hope thunderstorms don't spoil the weather during your vacation.
Getting back to Qwovadis' original question, so far there have not been even any suspected cases of the swine flu in Cancun. That doesn't mean you are safe, exactly, but you probably won't be any more at risk there than you would be visiting Texas or Southern California. Wash your hands, avoid crowds, and hope thunderstorms don't spoil the weather during your vacation.
Apr 30th, 2009 | 09:39 PM
#64
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,212
Likes: 0
Me voy a Costa Rica tambien--en la manana. Y ojala que no hay sneezing (what IS that word in espanol?) en el avion!
By the way, Jeff, sometimes I masquerade on Fodor's as motmot. It's Fodor's fault--can't sign in under "shillmac" on my work computer.
Are you going to join us at BdC in June? Hoping so--the more the merrier!
By the way, Jeff, sometimes I masquerade on Fodor's as motmot. It's Fodor's fault--can't sign in under "shillmac" on my work computer.
Are you going to join us at BdC in June? Hoping so--the more the merrier!
May 1st, 2009 | 11:03 AM
#66
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,070
Likes: 0
Oh, so shillmac = motmot? Thanks for the clarification. What did Shakespeare say? A rose by any other name ...
Safe and healthy travels to you: I've started adding the "and healthy" part to people these days.
I can't make it to BdC this year, much as I'd like to. A couple of major family illnesses this winter and early spring threw my schedule into upheaval, and I'm now trying to make up for lost time. Next year maybe.
Safe and healthy travels to you: I've started adding the "and healthy" part to people these days.
I can't make it to BdC this year, much as I'd like to. A couple of major family illnesses this winter and early spring threw my schedule into upheaval, and I'm now trying to make up for lost time. Next year maybe.
May 1st, 2009 | 02:40 PM
#68
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
update from WHO today:
No rationale for travel restrictions
1 May 2009 -- WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus. Today, international travel moves rapidly, with large numbers of individuals visiting various parts of the world. Limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to the global community.
Influenza A(H1N1) has already been confirmed in many parts of the world. The focus now is on minimizing the impact of the virus through the rapid identification of cases and providing patients with appropriate medical care, rather than on stopping its spread internationally. Furthermore, although identifying the signs and symptoms of influenza in travellers can be an effective monitoring technique, it is not effective in reducing the spread of influenza as the virus can be transmitted from person to person before the onset of symptoms. Scientific research based on mathematical modelling indicates that restricting travel will be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease. Historical records of previous influenza pandemics, as well as experience with SARS, have validated this point.
Travellers can protect themselves and others by following simple recommendations related to travel aimed at preventing the spread of infection. Individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travellers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases and not only influenza A(H1N1).
No rationale for travel restrictions
1 May 2009 -- WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus. Today, international travel moves rapidly, with large numbers of individuals visiting various parts of the world. Limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to the global community.
Influenza A(H1N1) has already been confirmed in many parts of the world. The focus now is on minimizing the impact of the virus through the rapid identification of cases and providing patients with appropriate medical care, rather than on stopping its spread internationally. Furthermore, although identifying the signs and symptoms of influenza in travellers can be an effective monitoring technique, it is not effective in reducing the spread of influenza as the virus can be transmitted from person to person before the onset of symptoms. Scientific research based on mathematical modelling indicates that restricting travel will be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease. Historical records of previous influenza pandemics, as well as experience with SARS, have validated this point.
Travellers can protect themselves and others by following simple recommendations related to travel aimed at preventing the spread of infection. Individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travellers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases and not only influenza A(H1N1).
May 1st, 2009 | 03:40 PM
#69
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 358
Likes: 0
"I don't think my comments were a cheap shot at all. "
Agreed. Too many here on Fodor's think that if you have a differing opinion, it's a "cheap shot". Plenty on here have mentioned the USA's high cost of medicine, it's true but nobody say it's a cheap shot. Yet mention longer waits with socialized medicine and it's true too but they say it's a cheap shot.
Agreed. Too many here on Fodor's think that if you have a differing opinion, it's a "cheap shot". Plenty on here have mentioned the USA's high cost of medicine, it's true but nobody say it's a cheap shot. Yet mention longer waits with socialized medicine and it's true too but they say it's a cheap shot.
May 2nd, 2009 | 03:50 AM
#71
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
Hey Percy!
Come visit beautiful Montreal anytime!!!
I can't wait to get home to my sweet little green & red gem though....(PEI) !!!!
As for the swine flu, hopefully things get under control & most importantly...no more lives are lost.
Come visit beautiful Montreal anytime!!!
I can't wait to get home to my sweet little green & red gem though....(PEI) !!!!
As for the swine flu, hopefully things get under control & most importantly...no more lives are lost.
May 2nd, 2009 | 05:17 AM
#72
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 12,268
Likes: 0
Influenza A(H1N1) - update 8.1 -- 1 May 2009
-------------
The situation continues to evolve. As of 23:30
GMT, 1 May 2009, 13 countries have officially
reported 367 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.
The United States Government has reported 141
laboratory confirmed human cases, including one
death. Mexico has reported 156 confirmed human
cases of infection, including 9 deaths.
The following countries have reported laboratory
confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1),
Canada (34), China, Hong Kong, Special
Administrative Region (1), Denmark (1), Germany
(4), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand
(4), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United
Kingdom (8).
Further information on the situation will be
available on the WHO website on a regular basis.
WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or
closure of borders. It is considered prudent for
people who are ill to delay international travel
and for people developing symptoms following
international travel to seek medical attention,
in line with guidance from national authorities.
There is also no risk of infection from this
virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and
pork products. Individuals are advised to wash
hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular
basis and should seek medical attention if they
develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.
Summary table of cases reported to WHO 30 Apr 2009 vs 1 May 2009
----------------
Country: No. cases (deaths) 30 Apr 2009 / No. cases (deaths) 1 May 2009
Austria: 1 / 1
Canada: 19 / 34
China, Hong Kong, SAR: 0 / 1
Denmark: 0 / 1
Germany: 3 / 4
Israel: 2 / 2
Mexico: 97(7) / 156 (9)
Netherlands: 1 / 1
New Zealand: 3 / 4
Spain: 13 / 13
Switzerland: 1 / 1
United Kingdom: 8 /
United States: 109 (1) / 141 (1)
Total No. countries reporting cases: 11 / 13
Total cases reported: 257 (8) / 367 (10)
-------------
The situation continues to evolve. As of 23:30
GMT, 1 May 2009, 13 countries have officially
reported 367 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.
The United States Government has reported 141
laboratory confirmed human cases, including one
death. Mexico has reported 156 confirmed human
cases of infection, including 9 deaths.
The following countries have reported laboratory
confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1),
Canada (34), China, Hong Kong, Special
Administrative Region (1), Denmark (1), Germany
(4), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand
(4), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United
Kingdom (8).
Further information on the situation will be
available on the WHO website on a regular basis.
WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or
closure of borders. It is considered prudent for
people who are ill to delay international travel
and for people developing symptoms following
international travel to seek medical attention,
in line with guidance from national authorities.
There is also no risk of infection from this
virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and
pork products. Individuals are advised to wash
hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular
basis and should seek medical attention if they
develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.
Summary table of cases reported to WHO 30 Apr 2009 vs 1 May 2009
----------------
Country: No. cases (deaths) 30 Apr 2009 / No. cases (deaths) 1 May 2009
Austria: 1 / 1
Canada: 19 / 34
China, Hong Kong, SAR: 0 / 1
Denmark: 0 / 1
Germany: 3 / 4
Israel: 2 / 2
Mexico: 97(7) / 156 (9)
Netherlands: 1 / 1
New Zealand: 3 / 4
Spain: 13 / 13
Switzerland: 1 / 1
United Kingdom: 8 /
United States: 109 (1) / 141 (1)
Total No. countries reporting cases: 11 / 13
Total cases reported: 257 (8) / 367 (10)
May 5th, 2009 | 12:56 PM
#73
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
My office nurse decided to travel to Mexico with her kids this week against my (and the government's) advice. At least she's in Cancun. Agree that this may be as safe as the American southwest. The notion of sealing the border against swine flu is silly. For a humorous take on some of this hysteria, see http://travelvaccineforum.wordpress....l-the-borders/
May 5th, 2009 | 08:11 PM
#74
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,212
Likes: 0
Bellaboo/Faithie,
Maybe we should have a GTG in Montreal? I understand there is some very good birding there!
Jeff--so sorry to hear of family illnesses and the like. Hope things settle down for you soon. We will miss you--and perhaps lift an Imperial to you!
Maybe we should have a GTG in Montreal? I understand there is some very good birding there!
Jeff--so sorry to hear of family illnesses and the like. Hope things settle down for you soon. We will miss you--and perhaps lift an Imperial to you!
May 6th, 2009 | 06:40 AM
#76
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 635
Likes: 0
So, everything is open as usual, not a lot of tourists around, but those who are here are more intelligent, the dumb ones, who believed the media hysteria, cancelled.
It's almost like the old days, before the town became a tourist mecca.
We never had even one case in town, or in the state for Jalisco, or the adjoining states of Nayarit & Colima.
It's almost like the old days, before the town became a tourist mecca.
We never had even one case in town, or in the state for Jalisco, or the adjoining states of Nayarit & Colima.
May 7th, 2009 | 06:39 PM
#79
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,070
Likes: 0
Whatever you may think, it is not the subject of this thread.
Back to the topic of discussion:
Guatemala now has its first case. The government has announced that it reserves the right to take extraordinary measures and possibly suspend rights to deal with the situation.
Percy and Shillmac, thank you for your good wishes. Next year, maybe?
Back to the topic of discussion:
Guatemala now has its first case. The government has announced that it reserves the right to take extraordinary measures and possibly suspend rights to deal with the situation.
Percy and Shillmac, thank you for your good wishes. Next year, maybe?
May 8th, 2009 | 07:50 PM
#80
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
I live in Playa del Carmen.
No worries, no cases, all of this is just about prevention, what is currently kiiling the country i the media making such a fuss about it... Travelling to Mexico, you get less than 1 over a million to contract it, and even if so, it is just a flu.
Know that over 53 000 people die of regulat flu in the states every year.
Come to Mexico, come to Playa del Carmen, let this country live and share its beauties, further than all the "mala onda" it's been covered with...
Sophie
www.kaaxan.com
No worries, no cases, all of this is just about prevention, what is currently kiiling the country i the media making such a fuss about it... Travelling to Mexico, you get less than 1 over a million to contract it, and even if so, it is just a flu.
Know that over 53 000 people die of regulat flu in the states every year.
Come to Mexico, come to Playa del Carmen, let this country live and share its beauties, further than all the "mala onda" it's been covered with...
Sophie
www.kaaxan.com
