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Traveling To Mexico
The recent Swine flu outbreak was first reported in Mexico. The first case was reported in March 2009 when this deadly virus first affected a child from a small village who used to live very near to hog farms. The most dangerous aspect of swine flu or H1N1 influenza, as it is popularly known, is that it also spreads through human-to-human contact. And perhaps this is the reason that it's spreading at an alarming rate. Many Mexicans have fallen prey to this disease with more than 2,500 confirmed cases. There have been more than 312 confirmed cases and around 150 deaths being reported.
The Tourism industry in Mexico has suffered a great deal. Tourists are leaving Mexico and returning to their respective countries. Moreover, travelers are now having apprehensions about visiting Mexico. And looking at the rate at which swine flu is spreading, the apprehensions do not seem to lessen.
Due to this, the Mexican economy may suffer a big jolt. Many countries including the U.S., Australia and New Zealand have reported that their nationals who had returned from Mexico had been affected by the virus.
Increasing number of cases are being reported in various parts of Mexico. Therefore, in case you are a traveler in Mexico, it will be in your best interests to consult a doctor as soon as you notice any flu-like symptoms. Also, the Mexican Secretariat of Health has issued an advisory that the people should avoid being in large crowds as far as possible. Individuals have also been asked to avoid shaking hands and maintain a distance of minimum of six feet from other people. It is also recommended that individuals should wash their hands more frequently with a good sanitizer. This will lessen the risk of the flu to a considerable extent.
It is also recommended that you exercise extra precaution in case you decide traveling to Mexico. Therefore, do not forget to pack with yourself proper flu medicines, a pair of gloves, sanitizers, soaps and masks.
Having your proper medical and travel insurance in place while visiting Mexico will surely prove to be very helpful.
As a precautionary measure, there are some governments such as that of the U.S., which has asked its citizens to try and avoid going to Mexico as far as possible. This is because, there's still a risk factor involved in traveling to Mexico.
Swine flu can spread through touch, cough or sneeze. Therefore, the biggest risk perhaps, comes from the journey itself. Crowded airports, a coughing passenger in the next seat, or a sneezing cab driver may be the potential carriers of the disease.
Considering the rising epidemic of the swine flu and the imminent threat that it posses, the W.H.O has increased the swine flu alert level to Phase Five. Therefore, it's recommended that although visiting to Mexico may not necessarily mean that the traveler will get affected by the disease, it'll be better to avoid all non-essential trips to Mexico. You may carry on with your trip to Mexico if it's really urgent or business related.
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