United States Consulate General,

Monterrey Constitucion 411 Pte.

Monterrey, N.L.

Mexico C.P. 64006

WARDEN MESSAGE - April 24, 2009

Flu Outbreak in Mexico

The U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey provides below for the information of U.S. citizens in our consular district a copy of the warden message distributed by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City concerning the influenza outbreak there.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico advises that as a precaution, Mexican authorities closed all schools in the Federal District and in the State of Mexico on April 24, 2009 as the Mexican Secretariat of Health announced hundreds of cases of flu in the country, some of which may be the H1N1 strain of ?swine flu?.  Some other public institutions, such as museums and government offices, are also closed.  Exact numbers of the people infected with the various strains of flu are unavailable.  The U.S. Embassy has no additional information about closures.

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Mexico that most cases of influenza are not ?swine flu?; any specific questions or concerns about flu or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.  Although the U.S. Embassy cannot give medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at the following link:

http://mexico.usembassy.gov/sacs_medical_info.html  (Spanish)

http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_medical_info.html  (English)

Additionally, U.S. citizens residing in or travelling to the Monterrey consular district can find a list of hospitals and doctors on our website at the following link:

http://monterrey.usconsulate.gov/medical_information.html(English)

http://spanish.monterrey.usconsulate.gov/medical.html(Spanish)

At this time the Mexican Secretariat of Health urges people to avoid large crowds, shaking hands, kissing people as a greeting, or using the subway.  Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other persons may decrease the risk of exposure.  In addition, the following prevention tips are from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website:

1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

For additional information, please consult the CDC website at www.cdc.gov, or the website of the World Health Organization at www.who.int.  The U.S. Embassy will also post additional information as it becomes available at: www.usembassy-mexico.gov.