CDC Travel Health Warning for Novel H1N1 Flu in Mexico Removed

This information is current as of today, May 18, 2009 at 16:39 EDT

At this time, CDC has removed its recommendation that U.S. travelers avoid travel to Mexico.
CDC continues to recommend that travelers visiting Mexico take steps to protect themselves from getting novel H1N1 flu. CDC recommends that travelers at high risk for complications from any form of influenza discuss with their physicians the risks and benefits of travel in the context of their planned itinerary to Mexico, and may want to consider postponing travel. Travelers at high risk for complications include:

· Children less than 5 years old
· Persons aged 65 years or older
· Children and adolescents (less than 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection
· Pregnant women
· Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders
· Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV)
· Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities

If you travel to an area that has reported cases of novel H1N1 flu stay informed and continue to check updates from these sources:
o Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
o Secretaria de Salud / Secretary of Health, Mexico - Web page in Spanish
o World Health Organization Influenza A (H1N1) website
o Pan American Health Organization

Be aware that Mexico is checking all exiting airline passengers for signs of novel H1N1 flu. Exit screening may cause significant delays at airports.