Title – Experts probe deadly Mexico fluSource – www.bbc.co.uk
Date – 24th April 2009
The news that has come out of Mexico over the last few years has not been universally good for tourism and this latest blow is set to hit them hard, especially with regard to the bulk of their tourist market which comes from the USA.
It has to be said that Mexico certainly has some challenges for the independent traveller. If it is not the increasing levels of violence between the drug cartels and the authorities, then it is corruption that is rife amongst the police; if it is not the high risk from muggings, then it the dramatic increase in kidnapping, especially ‘express kidnapping; and if there were not the usual travel health concerns, there is now very serious concern from this deadly strain of Swine Flu.
But let us not run for the hills just yet, Mexico is a very large country and the spate of infections and deaths do seem in the main to have taken place in densely populated areas such as Mexico City; and there are many other reasons not to spend much time in Mexico City…
The key is to be aware of the situation and take effective measures. Today you will see most people in Mexico City wearing masks, so in crowded areas do the same (or better still, go to less crowded areas), be more cautious on public transport and avoid contact with anyone who displays flu-like symptoms.
The other point we have to emphasise is that this is far from being a pandemic and is in the early stages, but the WHO is not taking any chances and is taking the situation seriously and so should travellers. Always seek professional and local advice before and during your travel and keep an eye out to see if the situation gets any worse.
We should also point out that at this stage the strain of swine flu that is affecting people does seem to be easily treated with existing medication including ‘Tamiflu’ (the very same medication that governments have been stockpiling to deal with a potential Bird Flu pandemic) works effectively. The key to treatment is to catch it early, preferably within 48 hours. The symptoms are very similar to regular flu; fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing; some people have also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The key to treatment is that you inform your doctor as soon as possible if you have these symptoms and you have visited an affected area.
There are good reasons to be concerned about the risk from this virus; but if I were to travel to Mexico I would still have other concerns nearer to the top of my list at the moment. We recently heard the following story from a tourist in Mexico; which highlights the level of corruption there:
“When you rent the car the agent gives you a laminated card that was produced through an agreement between the mayor of Cancun and the rental car companies (and NOT the police). The card tells you that you are allowed by law two minor traffic infringements (red lights, speeding etc.) without the police being able to arrest you. Then it states very clearly that you should not give the police either money, your driving license, your passport or the laminated card if stopped.
We were stopped and a ‘policeman’ told us that we ran a red light (there were no traffic lights anywhere on the road). The police basically asked our friend who was driving for all the things that the card said they would ask for. My friend held firm and refused to hand over anything including the card. The card actually doubles up as an instant traffic fine also and so if you give them the card they charge you $50 as an instant traffic fine; all very complicated!! Basically you have to stand up to their intimidation and hope that they don't arrest you!”
At
Beyond The Blue (Safe Gap Year) our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness Workshop (GYITSA) considers issues of Travel Health, alongside sessions on Travel Safety, Ethical and Responsible Travel, Travel Equipment, Travel Insurance, Destination Advice, Transport Options, Documentation, Travel Money and Insurance and more. Many parts of the world present travellers with consistent travel health challenges, which are well documented and understood. However new ‘developments’ and local outbreaks mean that conducting your own research and risk assessment prior to travel is as essential as consulting your GP or travel clinic.Date – 24th April 2009
The news that has come out of Mexico over the last few years has not been universally good for tourism and this latest blow is set to hit them hard, especially with regard to the bulk of their tourist market which comes from the USA.
It has to be said that Mexico certainly has some challenges for the independent traveller. If it is not the increasing levels of violence between the drug cartels and the authorities, then it is corruption that is rife amongst the police; if it is not the high risk from muggings, then it the dramatic increase in kidnapping, especially ‘express kidnapping; and if there were not the usual travel health concerns, there is now very serious concern from this deadly strain of Swine Flu.
But let us not run for the hills just yet, Mexico is a very large country and the spate of infections and deaths do seem in the main to have taken place in densely populated areas such as Mexico City; and there are many other reasons not to spend much time in Mexico City…
The key is to be aware of the situation and take effective measures. Today you will see most people in Mexico City wearing masks, so in crowded areas do the same (or better still, go to less crowded areas), be more cautious on public transport and avoid contact with anyone who displays flu-like symptoms.
The other point we have to emphasise is that this is far from being a pandemic and is in the early stages, but the WHO is not taking any chances and is taking the situation seriously and so should travellers. Always seek professional and local advice before and during your travel and keep an eye out to see if the situation gets any worse.
We should also point out that at this stage the strain of swine flu that is affecting people does seem to be easily treated with existing medication including ‘Tamiflu’ (the very same medication that governments have been stockpiling to deal with a potential Bird Flu pandemic) works effectively. The key to treatment is to catch it early, preferably within 48 hours. The symptoms are very similar to regular flu; fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing; some people have also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The key to treatment is that you inform your doctor as soon as possible if you have these symptoms and you have visited an affected area.
There are good reasons to be concerned about the risk from this virus; but if I were to travel to Mexico I would still have other concerns nearer to the top of my list at the moment. We recently heard the following story from a tourist in Mexico; which highlights the level of corruption there:
“When you rent the car the agent gives you a laminated card that was produced through an agreement between the mayor of Cancun and the rental car companies (and NOT the police). The card tells you that you are allowed by law two minor traffic infringements (red lights, speeding etc.) without the police being able to arrest you. Then it states very clearly that you should not give the police either money, your driving license, your passport or the laminated card if stopped.
We were stopped and a ‘policeman’ told us that we ran a red light (there were no traffic lights anywhere on the road). The police basically asked our friend who was driving for all the things that the card said they would ask for. My friend held firm and refused to hand over anything including the card. The card actually doubles up as an instant traffic fine also and so if you give them the card they charge you $50 as an instant traffic fine; all very complicated!! Basically you have to stand up to their intimidation and hope that they don't arrest you!”
At
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