This travel health notice is being provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) in response to the recent outbreak of H1N1 Flu Virus in North America. This document has been developed to protect the health of Canadian travellers. This travel health notice is based on current available scientific evidence about this emerging disease, and is subject to review and change as new information becomes available.

H1N1 Flu Virus in Mexico

Updated: May 18, 2009

• Travel Health Notice
• About H1N1 Flu Virus
• Recommendations to Travellers
• Monitor Your Health
• Don't Forget...
• Other Related Information

Travel Health Notice

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to investigate the outbreak of H1N1 Flu Virus in Mexico.  This is a strain of flu virus that has never been identified in humans before.  Updates of the most current information and number of cases are available on the website of the World Health Organization (WHO) .  

The number of reported confirmed cases of H1N1 Flu Virus in Mexico steadily increased until the end of April at which time it began to decrease and then level off over the past few weeks at a lower level. 

Given that the latest information from Mexico indicates the risk of contracting the virus has decreased and that nearly all of the cases reported in Canada and the United States have been mild, as of May 18, 2009, the Public Health Agency of Canada no longer recommends Canadians postpone elective or non-essential travel to Mexico. 

PHAC recommends that travellers at risk of complications from any form of influenza such as those with chronic conditions (for example diabetes, lung disease, heart disease), elderly, pregnant women or children under 2 years of age, discuss the risk of travel with their health care provider before going to Mexico.

Travellers who go to Mexico should follow recommendations outlined by PHAC and continue to consult the PHAC website to remain informed on the H1N1 Flu Virus and travel related recommendations.

About H1N1 Flu Virus

• H1N1 Flu Virus is caused by a new strain of the influenza A H1N1 virus.
• It is a new flu virus of swine origin that has never been previously detected in either human or swine.
• This new virus is being detected among humans and is currently being spread from person-to-person.

Recommendations to Travellers

Although there is no longer any recommendation for restriction of travel to Mexico, all travellers to Mexico are encouraged to follow recommendations related to H1N1, to help reduce the risk of infection and stay healthy.

1. Wash your hands frequently
   1. By washing your hands with soap under warm running water, you will reduce your chance of getting the flu.
   2. Alcohol-based hand gel can also be used if soap and water are not readily available. It's a good idea to keep some with you in your pocket or purse when you travel.
2. Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette
   1. Cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve to reduce the spread of germs.
   2. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.
3. Try to avoid contact with people who appear to have a respiratory illness.
4. Monitor this website and the Mexican Ministry of Health  website and the World Health Organization  website frequently for updates on the situation and recommendations.
5. Pay attention to local government and public health announcements including any movement restrictions and prevention recommendations.
6. Get vaccinated against seasonal influenza.
7. If you are at risk of severe illness from influenza (for example, persons with chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, elderly or children under 2 years of age), see your health care provider before you travel.

Monitor your Health

If you develop symptoms of flu:

1. While on travel:
   1. Seek medical care.
      1. A list of physicians can be obtained through the nearest Canadian Embassy or consulate. A listing of these establishments can be accessed through the web site of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
2. When back in Canada:
   1. If you develop respiratory illness with fever and cough within 7 days of your departure from Mexico, you are advised to:
      1. Stay at home and avoid contact with others until 7 days have passed since your symptoms started.
      2. Wash your hands frequently.
      3. Cough and sneeze into your sleeve and not your hand.
      4. Contact your health care provider to inform him/her of your symptoms and recent travel history to Mexico and to help determine if treatment is recommended.
      5. If you are sick and must go out, a face mask should be worn if available to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the community.
3. Should your symptoms worsen:
   1. Before seeking medical attention, it is recommended that you call ahead to your health care provider or urgent care facility to inform them of your symptoms and your recent travel history.

Don't Forget...

1. Consult a health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic before you travel. It is best if this visit takes place at least 6 weeks before departure.
2. What to do if you get sick when you are travelling.
3. What to do if you get sick after you return to Canada.
4. Know what vaccines you need and when to get them.

Other Related Information

• Fightflu.ca 
• Public Health Agency of Canada - Information on Human H1N1 Flu Virus
• Public Health Agency of Canada - Fact Sheet on Seasonal Influenza (Flu) and Travel
• Public Health Agency of Canada - Information on Influenza
• Other information for Canadian travellers in Mexico, including accessing a list of possible physicians: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) 
• Mexican Ministry of Health (available only in Spanish)