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Federal Health Officials Urge Common Sense in Response to H1N1 Influenza Outbreak

On April 27, 2009, World Health Organization Director General Margaret Chan issued guidance for the international response to the recent outbreak of influenza in Mexico that has spread internationally.  Key points from the Director-General were:

• Given the widespread presence of the virus, the Director-General considered that containment of the outbreak is not feasible. The current focus should be on mitigation measures.
• The Director-General recommended not to close borders and not to restrict international travel. It was considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention.

Further, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control urges common-sense steps individuals can take to prevent infection of influenza and other illnesses:

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports that all U.S. land ports are operating routinely:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is monitoring all information and guidance concerning the outbreak of H1N1 flu. At this time all U.S. ports of entry are open and operating as normal with officers using risk based border screening.

CBP officers and Border Patrol agents are responding to guidance from health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They are monitoring the health of incoming travelers and taking all appropriate precautions. CBP collaborates with CDC and local health officials to assess potential threats, including referring a person with symptoms to a CDC quarantine station or a local public health official for evaluation.

CBP reminds U.S. citizens and those with plans to enter the United States from Mexico to monitor health information at the CDC Web site.

For additional information about the federal and international response to the H1N1 influenza outbreak visit CDC , WHO and CBP ’s websites.

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