Due to increased risks associated with the H1N1 influenza World Health Organization (WHO) level 5 advisory and the current Center for Disease Control (CDC) travel advisory, the University of New Mexico is immediately suspending all travel to Mexico that is related to University business or programs. This is a precautionary measure against potential exposure to the virus for staff, faculty and students and will remain in effect May 1-May 31, or until further notice. This developing situation will be evaluated continuously and further advisories will be issued as needed.
Further, the University now advises all UNM faculty, staff and students who are in Mexico for University business or programs to return to the U.S. from Mexico immediately.
For more information visit: Center for Disease Control and the UNM home page.
H1N1 (Swine) Influenza Travel Recommendations
People who must travel to Mexico should consider the following recommendations:
1) Stay informed. Check for updates from the Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, the Secretaria de Salud, Mexico's Ministry of Health, and local governments.
2) Follow local public health guidelines, including any movement restrictions and prevention recommendations.
3) Be aware that Mexico is checking exiting airline passengers for signs of swine flu. Exit screening may cause significant delays at airports. It is also possible that entering travelers who are deemed to be symptomatic may be confined.
4) Travelers who are at high risk of severe illness from influenza (for example persons with chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, and the elderly - see CDC Professionals are recommended to take antiviral medications for prevention of swine influenza during travel.
Talk to your doctor about correct indications for using influenza antiviral medications, and the correct medications.
All travelers both international and domestic should also keep these recommendations in mind. In particular, consider that several countries are monitoring entering and exiting travelers, and may restrict their entry or exit. Governments at any time may initiate travel restrictions.
This could mean that, for the duration of the restrictions, US residents traveling outside of the US would not be able to return, and foreign students or visitors in the US would not be able to leave.
Also Visit
UNM Issues Statement on H1N1 Influenza
Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920; e-mail: cgonzal@unm.edu
Posted by scarr at May 1, 2009 03:13 PM