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INTERNATIONAL. In encouraging news for the travel and tourism sector, the World Health Organization (WHO) said yesterday that it advises “no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders”.
As of 06:00 GMT on 4 May, 20 countries have officially reported 985 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, commonly known as swine influenza.
Mexico, where the outbreak began, has reported 590 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths. The higher number of cases from Mexico reflects ongoing testing of previously collected specimens, WHO said. The US has reported 226 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.
The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths – Austria (1), Canada (85), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Colombia (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (2), Germany (8), Ireland (1), Israel (3), Italy (1), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (4), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (40), Switzerland (1) and the UK (15).
WHO noted: “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. 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.”
Although the news is broadly positive, WHO warned that countries must not become complacent about the virus. It said it was too early to know whether the outbreak had peaked in Mexico.
HOW THE SWINE FLU STORY HAS DEVELOPED
Swine flu raises pandemic fears, tourism concerns – 26/04/09
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