H1N1 flu updates

September 21, 2009--H1N1 re-appearing

Several hundred cases of H1N1 flu have been reported recently in the state of Oaxaca, along with several deaths. If you are going to Oaxaca soon, we strongly recommend getting both the normal seasonal flu shot and a separate H1N1 immunization as soon as they are available.

May 23, 2009--Crisis appears over for now

While cases of the H1N1 flu continue to occur in Mexico and in many countries around the world, the crisis appears to be over. Despite the significant number of deaths in Mexico, and some deaths in other countries including the U.S., scientists say that the H1N1 flu does not appear to be especially virulent or dangerous. Our friends in Oaxaca and even in Mexico City tell us that life has returned to normal, and that many Mexicans see the Mexican government's draconian reactions to the flu to have been politically motivated and unnecessary. The only caveat, coming from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is that this virus could mutate into a more virulent form. We may or may not see a new surge of H1N1 cases in the fall.

May 12, 2009

Schools in Oaxaca have reopened, public meetings and events have resumed, and life is returning to normal in Oaxaca.

While cautioning that this pandemic (note that this word refers to the degree to which a disease can or does spread throughout the world, rather than to the intensity of its symptoms) is not over, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reducing the severity of its recommendations, for example for U.S. school closures when H1N1 cases are found or suspected.

A medical consensus appears to be emerging that this flu, at least in its present form, does not represent as serious a threat as was first thought possible.

At this point we are no longer concerned about traveling, including to Mexico and to Oaxaca. Of course, we'll continue to take normal precautions such as washing our hands frequently and steering clear of anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

May 6, 2009

The situation in Oaxaca appears to be improving, with fewer people feeling the need to wear face masks on the streets, restaurants re-opening, and public activity levels picking up. The Mexican government is now relaxing restrictions even in hard-hit Mexico City.

A friend in Oaxaca reports that even in groups indoors, fewer than 10% of Oaxacans feel the need to wear a face mask.

Most restaurants and shops are open, but because of the low volume of business may be opening up late or closing early. Museums and archaeological sites remain closed, and most events like gallery openings and concerts are being cancelled.

The positive side for potential visitors is that there are plenty of rooms available in Oaxaca's hotels and B&Bs, and at excellent rates.

Things are improving, but we're still advising people not to travel to Mexico, including to Oaxaca, until it's clear that the H1N1 flu has completely abated.

May 2, 2009

Although Oaxaca does not have a high incidence of this flu, it did have the unhappy distinction of the first reported death from the H1N1 flu, Adela Maria Gutierrez, a female census taker who, by report, had recently come to Oaxaca from the state of Veracruz.

We happened to leave Oaxaca a few weeks before the flu outbreak, but are getting frequent reports from friends who are there.

In addition to concerns about the flu itself, this is clearly not a good time to visit Oaxaca, since archaeological sites, some restaurants, government offices, etc. are closed.

We are told that relatively few people are on the streets, and that many of those who are are wearing face masks. In enclosed spaces, for example taxis, stores or buses, even more are wearing masks. Most people who need to deal with the public are aware of the risk, and try to minimize it by wearing a mask while they work.

If you are heading to Oaxaca, or anywhere in Mexico right now, don't count on being able to buy anti-virals such as Tamiflu, face masks, or hand sanitizers in Mexico. These are in extremely short supply. If at all possible, bring these with you.

Again, if you are in Oaxaca or going there in the near future, we underline the standard medical advice--wash or sanitize your hands frequently, avoid groups and crowds, stay away from anyone who is visibly sick, and seek medical help quickly if you develop flu symptoms, especially a high fever, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing, and, especially in children, diarrhea or nausea.

We did not advise people to stay away from Oaxaca even during the APPO takeover two years ago. However, until the H1N1 flu has run its course, we are advising potential visitors not to go.